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COEMUGHT DEPOSrr. 



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1 ALFRED V. COFFIN 



A NEW 

HISTORY OF TE 

OKING 

A NARRATION OF THE ADVENTURES OF THE AUTHOR IN TEXAS. 

ANB A DESCRIPTION OF THE 

eOlL, CLIMATE, PRODUCTIONS, MINERALS, TOWNS, BAYS HAR- 
BORS, RIVERS, INSTITUTIONS, AND MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF ' 
TUB INHABITANTS OF THAT COUNTRY; TOGETHER WITH 
THE PRINCIPAL INCIDENTS OP FIFTE;EN YEARS 
REVOLUTION IN MEXICO; 

itiO EMBRACING 

^ ^MP^^^^^ STATEMENTOf' INTERKSTING EVFINTTS IM 

TEXAS, FROM THE FIRSl' EUROPEAN SETTLLMEN? 

IN 1692, DOWN TO THE PEESFINT TIJIE: 

AND A HISTORY OF THE 





MEXICAN WAR, 



INCLUDING ACCOUNTS OF THE 
BATTLES OF PALO ALTO, RES AC A DE LA PALM\lj 

THE TAKING OF MONTEREY, 
yHE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA^ 

WITH A LIST OF THE 

KILLED AND WOUNDED, 

THE 

CAPTURE OF VfcRA GRUZ, 

AND THE 

BATTLE OF C^RRO GORDO, 

GINCIXNATI: 

PUBLISHED BY GEORGE CONCLIN; 39 Main Street, 



/79'y 






7.^^^^^i^^^^^^^^^o aciofConsreas, iniiieyear eigkeeu iiunllhed rj:ty .. ^> h 
by GEORGE CON CLIN, 
in the District Clerk's Otfice of the Distriol Court of Uhi) 






PREFACE. 

The great and increasing emigration to Texas, taken in 
connection with Iier present position, former history and 
prospective career, were the primary causes which in- 
duced the apthor to compile a volume, einitle4 ttic Wstory 
of Tcxa^, yet, in doing so, he has embodied other and dis- 
similar information,, as \yeil as such as will safely conduct 
emigrants to flivourable localities^ and ij) a cheap way acr 
quaint them with things necessary to be known— and he 
has supplied such data as will enable those thinking of a 
removal, to knowingly decide if it is expe,!:lient to seek a 
home in the new Republic or not. 

Desiring at all times to pursue fhe quiet ai^d retire^ 
vy^alks of private life, the author of the following work 
would not have made his travels in Texas the leading sub^ 
ject of a publication, hacj not her vast and luxuriant plain^ 
and other more romantic scenery, first suggested the ideij 
— an idea that has grown in strength every day, since the 
effect of combined causes, not the least among which may 
be mer^tioned the fact of the entire absejice'pf any work 
on the subject, from whigh can be extracted such infor- 
mation as comes hom^e to the every day pursuits of men, 
or one that has been written with that independence of 
thought, and strict impartiality, which should ever be the 
aim and end of the Historian who aspires to an enduring 
and honoura})l,e fame, when lie shall sleep with his Fathers!! 



f^. 



? p: E F A C E , 

Tlie excess of kindness in the bosoms of many of the 
Author's friends has, on ditlereiit occasions, prompted thetn 
to profler their advice and assistance; but whether an 
hmocent vanity is an inherent principle in the bosom of 
any man, or whether the Author has mistaken his callings 
remains yet to be seen. He fraSkly acknowledges that 
he is aiid haS bfeen determined to express his ow'n opin- 
ions; to wear all the honours and bear all the obloquy 
which this volume may call forth. Were he now to sub- 
mit his" IdboUrs to a committee of particular friends, ther'; 
h much reason to fear they would reverse the history of 
the Hatter's Sign, narrated by Dr. Franklin, and in place 
of leaving the biily taluable part about it, might make 
large additions of useless matter, while defacing the paints, 
for which the Author indulges a fraternal feeling, nearly 
allied to that of a fond parent for a darlirig child. 

In the composition of the work, if the Author has stu- 
died, it has been to produce an original and correct picture. 
He has selected no model- — it is an ofl'hand production 
throughout; and if, under such c-tcrmstances, it w'ere im- 
possible to avoid colours which may have been used be- 
fore, it is not the result of a mirid aftected with the spirit 
of plagiarism, but the natural offspring of desultory read- 
ing, and intercourse -O^ith the world, and that sott of in- 
stinct which has at all times imperceptibly drawn him 
away from fixed fashions and riiles. 

Had he departed from the usual tendr of his way, lie 
would have approached much nearer to the orders of the 
da}^; yet those who are impartial iti their judgments will 
esteem his labours noiie the less because emanating front 
-a pen wholly untrammeled and uninfluenced by any man 
or set of men; aiid wdiatever course he itiight have pur- 
sued, he could not have escaped the shafts of criticism, 
levelled, as they always are, at every Author who doe- 



Preface. 

not ohoose to surrender his birthright, and endorse what 
others, in their superabundant wisdom, may choose to 
dictate. 

There is no class of men in the world more to be pit- 
ied, or more obnoxious to' all the courtesies and decencies 
of life, than illiberal critics. Their only aim is to discover 
cr manufacture faults for others, and upon their success in 
Kuch laudable business, depend their reputation and their 
revenues. As the end and aim of their being is to growl, 
were perfection itself permitted to visit the earth, they 
V.'ould bark all the louder, and howl the more ludicrous, 
in dread of the doom of starvation. No siri in ah Author 
is so provoking, as that of being above the reach of their 
shallow judgment — no crime so unpardonable as dignified 
contempt. Critics are an unconditional nuisance. False 
lights to the near-sighted. Dampers to the timorous* 
Ghosts to the over-sensitive and scrupulous genius. Im- 
potent and despised by the high-minded, and they are 
positive torments to themselves. Heaven reform them, 
o.n.d pardon their sins'. 

THE AUTHOR. 



HISTOIIY OF TEXAS. 



CHAPTER I, 



Texas is bpunded on the East by the State of Louisia- 
na, North by Red river, West by the Rio Grande, and 
South by the Gulf of Mexico; supposed to contain an 
area of about 300,000 square miles, upwards of 140,000 
inhabitants, exclusive of Indians, and embraces all the 
climates common between the 26 and 42 degrees of North 
latitude. 

In this vast extejat of country there is, of course, every 
variety of soil; and in order to acquaint the reader with 
tlie most prominent features, the country may appropri- 
ately be divided into three parts, each of which will be 
found adapted to the growth of different a|ad distijict con> 
modities. 

The first division embraces a distance of about 400 
Oiiles in length, commencing with the eastern boundary on 
the Sabine riyoi, and extending West to the Rio Grande, 



10 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

and in width, from the Gulf of Mexico, an average of 80 
miles: 2ndly, the high, dry and undulating country com- 
mencing Ileal' the Sabine and Red riversj and extending 
westward to withiii from 20 to 30 niiles of the Rio Grande, 
and North to the Colorado mountains: 3rdly, the high 
and rolling table lands North and West from the moun- 
tains. 

In the firstof these divisions, much of the soil is an alluvial 
deposit, resting oil a bed of shells, and a section between 
the Sabiile and San Jacmto rivers is comparatively unpro- 
ductive and unfit for agricultural purposes. Between the 
San Jacinto and San Antonia rivers there is much soil of 
the best quality, atid such is adapted to the culture of cot- 
ton, sugar, rice, figs, oranges, &c. ; from the San Antoriia 
to the Rio Grande, the soil is more diversified and better 
supplied with water, and all things considered, except 
timber, is more valuable the aiiy other portion of this 
country bordering on the Gulf. 

This first division, however, ma^ b'e considered less 
friendly to health than any other portion of Texas. Tirlibei' 
is scarce, water is impure, and consequently unwholesome 
chills and fevers are comiiion; the annoyance from mus- 
quetoes, flies and other nauseous insects is mtolerable foi' 
hian or beast, and the climate in this low couiitry'j enervat- 
ing in the extrehie, creating in the hot months a degree 
of lassitude truly insupportable; besides, for many months 
in the year, the roads, which are much better defined oh 
some maps extant, than they are oh the face of the couiltryj 
are impas'sible, alid such is the nature of the soil^ that dur- 
able thoroughfares will never be constructed uiiless at 
enormous expense. 

Yet its near approximation to the sea, the fertility of 
some of the soil, and the fish and oysters in the bays and 
fivers appear to render this division inviting to emigrantsj 



HISTORY OF 'I KXAS 1 

and they declare themselves blest with the finest sea 
breezes in the world: an assertion which is. in part true, 
otherwise a residence almost any where within the limits 
of the first division would absolutely be intolerable. 

The 2nd division possesses many advantages over the 
first: it is better Siipplied with water, is beautifully diver- 
sified with prairie and timber lands, and an average of as 
rich soil, affording a great variety bf native grapes, plums, 
&LC. &c., is adapted to almost every description of vegeta» 
bles common to the Southei-n and Middle States of the 
Ujiion. 

The 3rd division north and west of the mountains, is 
decidedly the finest portion of Texas; the air is pure and 
elastic, the "water ill cool i-unnmg streams, is as clear as 
crystal, the soil generally sufficiently rich to produce a 
bountiful harvest; and here wheat and all kinds of smat 
grain will flourish- — an advantage possessed but by a small 
portion of country below. But this region is not at pre- 
sent the abode of whit^ kiefi. Wild horses; wild Indiahsj 
&nd almost every description of wild game abound, and 
claim here to be lords of the soil; but like every thing else, 
their days are numbered; and soon, very soon, the smoke 
will be ascending fi'bni the settler's cabin, the prairies 
will be transformed into cultivated fields, and the growl of 
the prowling wolf, and neighing of the wild horse will be 
heard ho more, — but in then' stead, the notes of vir- 
tuous industry will fall upon the ear, and it is to be hoped 
the spire of the seniinary of learning and the village church 
ivill be seen peering through the beautifull5^ wooded 
groves that nolt adorn this lovely country. 

To a lover of nature this division of Texas offers 
a most delicious feast. The scenery is truly grand and 
imposing, presenting, as it does, the extensive and verdant 
prairies sprinkled over with lovely islands of timber^ no- 



Ii2 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

h\e rivers and ar^gry cataracts. The high and abrupt pre- 
cipices, hfting in many places their lofty summits appa- 
rently to the clouds, all unite in forming a splendid pano- 
rama truly subljnie. 

On the wide spread carpet of these beautiful plains, and 
near by some placid stream have I frequently sought repose 
and respite froin the cares of thi? world, and while gazing 
upon the dotted vaulf; of heaven, ai)d hstqfiing to the low 
murmuring waters, enjoyed a luxury in quietness no v/here 
else to be found; and when awakened by the primitive 
songsters of the forrest, have reviewed the works of the 
Almighty, untouched by the rude hand of man, and sighed 
for tha presence of my ov^^n 4ear children, and a few friends 
to adopt this country for my home and my grave. 

Amid such scenes I involuntarily turned my thoughts to 
my native country, and the busy throng aniong whom I 
have been accustomed to move, to the happy family cir? 
cle that 1 once enjoyed, apd object^ yet rep:iaining of my 
tender regard who were then far, far a\yay: perchance 
thought I, we §hall meet no more, perhaps the last remain- 
-ing tie to bind me to earth is now broken, and my children 
may be numbered among the dead, or perhaps here, sur- 
rounded by real dangers, my own pilgrimage upon earth 
may be ended, and those for whom alone I have lived, or 
desired to live, and for whom my days of toil and sleepr 
less nights have been devoted, may soon be thrown upon 
the tender mercies of the world? 

Such reflections vvere often to me irnprgssiyely sorrow- 
ful, and required a mighty eflbrt of the mind to divest theni 
of a form of reality, and to gain a belief that even hercj 
far removed from civilization, the hand of a beneficen, 
Being could be easily traced and his promises to the fa|Ji': 
erless and widow realised. 



HISTDRY of TEXAS. 13 

tVheii sore affliction throws his dart, 
We are prone to quail beneath the roJ : 
With cliasteueil pride and sincere heart, 
We seek the long forgotten God. 

'■twae thus with me; the desett taught 
Lessons with bitter truth replet-e; 
They instructed dearly, but they brought 
My spirit to its Maker's feet. 

From the foregoing general view of the three natural 
divisions of the country, it is evident that nature has been 
bountiful, and when all her resources are developed by 
the ingenuity and industry of man, and these solitudes in- 
habited by a moral and intelligent community, Texas will 
indeed be a delightful country; presenting no considera- 
ble obstacles to the cheap and easy constmction of speedy 
channels of communication^ from one extremity to the 
other. The products of her soil will be transported to 
tlie shores of the Gulf, without much delay or expen e^ 
and the comforts and luxuries of other climes will pour 
into her lap in exact proportion to the wants and ability 
of the inhabitants to consume them. 

Texas was formerly claimed by both Spain and the 
United States, and became the subject of a long negocia- 
tion between the two goverments; the result of which 
was a relinquishment on the part of the United States to 
the territory in question. There has, however, always 
been those among us who have viewed the country with 
a wishful eye, a feeling in which the government have at 
times participated; and president Jackson expended a few 
thousand of thfe people's money in an abortive attempt to 
purchase the country from Mexico. So sanguine, too. 
Was the old hero of success that he went so far as to offer 
the governorship of Texas to a prominent member of his 
party, in North Carolina, — he was however doomed to 



14 JIlS'l'ORY OF TEXAS. 

disappointment as well in this as some other measures oi 
greater importance. 

Again there is, and has long been many of our citizens 
who view a further extension of territory as dangerous 
to the integrity of the Union, and have constantly mani- 
fested a determined opposition to measures of such ten- 
dency; and while our party have invariably asserted that 
in fixing the Sabine as the south western boundary of the 
United States, the American Secretary was outwitted by 
Don Ennis De Onis, the Spanish Minister. Others, with 
perhaps equal information, have ascribed to the Horj. 
John Q. Adams, motives wholly unworthy of an Ameri- 
can Statesman, and a narrow-minded jealousy of the growv 
rng importance of the Southern and slave holding portions 
of the republic. Neither of these positions are entitled to 
any credit or belief, and are only worthy of notice as 
showing the mere ebullitions of party warfare. Be thi:? 
as it may, the country, thus far, has rather been a curse 
than a blessing to any of the numerous claimants, being 
first wrested from the natives by Spain, regained by the 
Mexicans and rightful owners, and by a similar process 
to that used by Spain in conquest, i-s now in the possession 
of North Americans. 

Spanish settlements were n^ade in Texas as early as 
1C92, these, however, were little else than trading estab. 
lishments, and missions for making proselytes to the CatK 
olic faith. Here the pious fathers of the church received 
the red men of the forest and prairie, and with a bible in 
one hand, and a dagger in the Other, taught them a new, 
and doubtless, as they believed, a more acceptable mode 
of worshiping the Great Spirit. Previous to this, the cua- 
ioms of the natives were not dissimilar to those of other 
tribes of American Indians: they lived by the chase — the 
lies of nature were of short duration, often leaving the 



HISTORY OF TEX A.?. ^5 

parental wigwam at an early ago, soon forgetting tlie 
father and mother that had watched over their infancy, 
and every kindred bond. The Catholic clergy who were 
employed instructing these children of nature, performed 
th^ir duties with mychzeal; yet, whei:^ once domesticated 
in their mode of exciting them to do well, or in punishing 
them for doing ill, even to the oldest, the treatment was, 
mQre like such as is usual towards little children, tharj 
people of mature age; and in no instance was any cruelty 
or severity indulged in. ^ 

Eight hours out of twenty-four, were allotted for labor; 
two hours for prayer, and the remainder for relaxation 
and repose; and when they were to be assembled for any 
purpose, the priests sounded a bell whicli protyiptly con- 
gregated the copper faces of all ages sizes and sexes. 

They were required to rise with the sun and spend the 
first hour at mass, and on returning froni their devotions a 
breakfast was prepai-ed, consisting of rice, roots, venison, 
&c. ; when the family of each wigwam sent a bark vessel to 
the master of ceremonies for their allowance, and an extra 
share was always served to those who made the greatest 
])roficiency in crossing themselves and learning their 
catechism; one hour was allowed for the enjoyment of the 
table which aflbrded but little variety; for here the natives, 
notunhke some natives of every other country, were not 
furnished wiih that spice of life, called variety, but mitrht, 
to their hearts content, feast their eyes on the singular 
paintings which adorned the mission walls; some of wliich 
represented a view of heaven and hell, drawn in the most 
imposing colors, exhibiting figures ol ti happy and beautiful 
appearance, and also some of the most horrid and miserable 
ispect, while their spiritual teachers were enjoying the 
substantial comfoj-ts of life, and who, though in this remote 
Wilderness, they appeared to relish luxuries quite as well 



16 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

as those whose lots were cast in more civilized communi- 
ties, and often regaled themselves with a bottle of Oporto 
and its necessary trimmings. 

A somewhat regular government in these half Monar- 
chical, half Republics was instituted, magistrates and other 
officers were appointed who assisted the priests in exer- 
cising unlilnited authority; but much to their credit, the 
mode of punishing any moral or religious delinquency v/as 
tempered with mildness and mercy, and in these little 
communities bolts and bars were unnecessary, and thefts 
were unknown. 

Such were the first settlements in Texas, claimmg to be 
civilized, but have now past away; and in treading the same 
ground and visiting the cemeteries of the dead, I can truly 
declare that emotions were excited which I cannot de- 
scribe. Here lie in promiscuous confusion, the Christian 
and Indian warrior and in the sleep of death, to awake no 
more until all the nations of the earth are summoned to 
their final account, while every thing that meets the eye 
tells of a by-gone race, and the sweet and plaintive notes 
of Christian devotion which have here been chanted but 
are heard no more. 

Although the standard of the Cross was planted here 
144 years ago, it does not now proudly wave in the* 
breeze, and indeed throughout the whole extent ol Texas) 
at the present time, there is but one protestant house that 
is exclusively appropriated to the worship of God, and 
few there are who enter that. 

Thou impress ol lime, your implacable sway 
Extends over all thai I see : 
The great and the mighty must yield to decay 
All nature is subject to thee. 

But as I look back on the years that have fled, 
Since those Mtosions first rose from the sand. 
As I sisjh ovar the moss-covered tomts of the deaJ, 
i can trace out a merciful hand. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 17 

Since tlie days of Christopher Columbus, North and 
South America have been theatres of mighty and im- 
portant events, and it is well for mankind to review from 
time to time, the gradual changes that are unceasingly 
occurring in the moral and political world which not un- 
profitably call to mind the successive alterations in our 
individual, temporal, and physical condition, to the final 
dissolution of the body, and entrance on a new era of 
the most absorbing interest. 

At the eventful period of the discovery of America, the 
whole continent was inhabited by numerous tribes of red 
men who were destitute of the arts and sciences that dis- 
tinguish the present age, and were also exempt from most 
of the vices that now corrode and canker what is popular- 
ly called civilized life. 

Among this great family of native Americans, the Mexi- 
can tribe stood foremost in the rank of improvement, and 
their wealth and riches, much of which consisted in the 
precious metals, enticed the cupidity of Spanish invaders, 
who eventually subjected them to the most grievous and 
iiumiliating bondag-e. 

The history of the rapine and murders committed in 
this fair country by Cortez and in his successors, would fill 
a large volume, and it is foreign to the present purpose to 
more than briefly allude to them in marking the progress 
of events in a section of America contiguous to, and at 
that time part and parcel of what is now denominated the 
Republic of Texas. 

At the time of the Spanish invasion of Mexico, conquest 
was the leading policy of Christian nations, and the spe- 
cious pretext for all their cruelties, and entire disregard 
for the rights of others, was the avowed desire to incu'i- 
cate the maxims and multiply numbers in the Redeemer's 
3 



18 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

kingdom; and without arrogating to myself the pnvflego 
of scrutinizing too closely the motives which incite men 
to action; yet I am well convinced, that from the begin- 
ning of the world, as well as at the time I write, might 
ind stratagem have often been substituted for right, at the 
ihe expense of the more sincere and less vicious members 
of the human family; and then, as now, accumulations and 
conquests, enjoyed only for a brief season, passing rapidly 
from hand to hand, and at every exchange bearing the 
impress of something peculiar to the age. 

Whether the rapid decline in every thing noble and 
great in the Spanish nation is to be attributed to the chas- 
teniiTig har>d of Providence for her unnatural transgnsssors ; 
and the mines of visible wealth in Mexico was the fatal 
instrument used, it is not my province to express a decid- 
ed opinion; I only wish to state facts from which m)-- read- 
ers may draw satisfactory conclusions: certain it is, how- 
ever, that the retrogade march of tlie Spaniards, as a dis- 
tinct people, commenced at no remote period from the 
conquest, of Mexico; and after years of misrule, oppression 
and disorder^ Spanish authority was banished the country; 
a pixjminent but unworthy leader in w^hich work was Don 
A-ugustine Iturbide> a royal officer of Spain. 

Out of this sprung the United Mexican States, the gov- 
ernment of which ditlered in only two unimportant partic- 
ulars, from that af the United States o.f the liorth; viz. a 
connection between church and state, and each state of the 
confederacy springing from the parent stock in emblem of 
the prickly pear tree, nourishing its branches; that tree with 
an eagle perched on the top is the Mexican coat of arms. 

SubseqaeEit eveEits have made it necessary to infuse 
into the general government a more energetic character 
by consolidating the delegated powers of tlie states; and 
in ft subsequent part g-f t4iis work I will trace the causes 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. \B 

aud effects o( the dismemberment of part of the state of 
Coahuilaand Texas from the Mexican confederacy, and 
exhibit that part as it now is, under the name of the 
Republic of Texas; a description of which it is presumed 
will more immediately interest the reader, and will there- 
fore claim precedence of its History. 



9G HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



CHAPTER II. 



In presenting the reader with a detailed description of 
Texas, it is deemed proper to begin with the western 
boundary; tracing the Rio Grande from its source, in the 
Rocky mountains to its confluence with the Gulf of Mexi- 
co, and continuing with the principal water courses that 
intersect the country to the river Sabine, forming in part 
the eastern boundary between Texas and tlie United 
States of the north. 

The view is intended to embrace the country generally 
adjacent to, and between, the water courses; but not to 
comprehend every minute peculiarity to be found in either 
soil, minerals, or climate; much of which cannot be pre- 
cisely ascertained, otherwise but by the slow but sure 
developements of time; it is nevertheless certain, that 
what is here embodied will be cunply sufficient to put the 
reader in possession of all the material information he can 
desire, and for every practicable purpose, quite as valuable 
as if a volume five times the size of this was written on 
the subject. 

Rio Grande. — This river has its source in the moun- 
tains, where the country has not been thoroughly explored, 
but as far as known in its windings through the mountain 
passes, exhibits scenery of grand sublimity; its head wa- 
ters flowing through the territory of the White Bear, and 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 21 

tiie day is probably not far distant when this region 
can boast any other inhabitants th?n the Red man and 
wild game that are at present the undisputed lords of the 
soil. 

In descending this river, the first considerable settlement 
is Santa Fee, an ancient Spanish town on the East bank. 
This is a place of wealth and of great importance in 
point of trade; affords a market for large quantrties of for- 
eign and American goods, which are mostly transported 
over land from St. Louis, in the United States, a computed 
distance of 1500 miles; it is believed to be a lucrative busi- 
ness, notwithstanding the great distance and consequent 
delay ; prices of most commodities being enormously high, 
and the traders return laden with rich furs and peltry and 
JMexican gold and silvez". 

At no remote period this trade will probably be prose- 
cuted through another channel; the plains of Texas aflbrd- 
ing, as they do, every facility for the construction of good 
roads at small expense through the whole distance from the 
heads of navigation on the Colorado, Bi-assos, or Buflido 
Bayou and by this route the land carriage to Santa Fee 
will be shortened down at least two thirds. 

A particular description of the town is deemed unne- 
cessary here, but may be found in the journal of the brave 
and lamented Lieutenant Pike, published in 1807, the hero 
of York, Upper Canada, then Gen. Pike, lost iiis life at 
the last mentioned place during the late war with Eng- 
land, but he had lived to immortalize himself by his explor- 
ing expeditions and noble daring, in one of which he made 
his debut in Santa Fee, a bare-headed prisoner, when 
the town was the residence of the Governor of the interior 
provinces of Mexico, and even in this situation he turned his 
misfortunes to good account, by collecting important in 



22 HISTORY 07 TEXAS. 

formation which was spread before his countrymen, and 
by his intelligence and invincible corn-age elicited the re- 
spect and applause of the enemies of himself and country ; 
and last, though not least, by the overflowing of a kind 
and benevolent heart, as disclosed on many occasions, 
and particularly in a letter written to the partner of his 
bosom on the day before his demise. « I will dedicate 
these few moments to you, my love," was the last proof, of 
affection, and is worthy of the character of the soldier, 
husband and father, and well might any virtuous and in- 
telligent woman adore a man possessing such a soul, 
and deeply deplore his untimely loss, to his family and 
country. 

Much of the country below Santa Fee, is unfit for cul- 
tivation in many places, on both sides of the river, a dis- 
tance of from 20 to 40 miles in width. The river afibrds 
out small facilities for commerce: vessels of more than 5 
feet draught cannot often ascend over 110 miles, and in that 
short distance the navigation is difficult and dangerous on 
account of the rapidity of the current, and the frequent 
changes in the channel, caused by land shifts and quick 
sands which form its bed. In many places the banks are 
high, uniting however, little that is pleasing to the eye. 
and not unlike the Mississippi in respect to the never-end- 
mg undermining of the water which during the freshets fre- 
quently opens new channels across the points, precipitating 
whole acres of land and timber into a waste of waters. 

The noble Steamers which give life and animation on 
the waters of the United States, nor any thing like them, 
will ever penetrate far into the desert of the Rio Grande. 
Many years ago a Steam navigation Company was char- 
tered by tlie Mexican Government, with exclusive privi- 
leges of colonizing the adjacent country and navigating 
the river to the exclusion of all otjiers for 15 yearsj but it 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 23 

was found impracticable, and was therefore abandoned, 
and will not probably be undertaken soon again. 

Metamoras. — This town is situated on the west bank 
of the Rio Grande, 30 miles above the mouth; contains a 
population of some 8,000, mostly Mexicans, who are not 
remarkable for their honest or industrious habits, and are 
in the aggregate an ignorant and illiterate set of beings. 
There are, however a few resident foreigners, and among 
them a pretty little French girl, who follows the trade 
blnnchis sense* and barber, and a first rate barber she is, 
and actually shaves with her own hand gentlemen of the 
first water, and her journeymen waits on the crowd; such 
a trade for a lady was a novelty to me and I of course 
patronised the fair proprietress. And 

I found the best dresser of hair, 

A barber who ehavps bui don't bleed ; 

I was templed to not teU the affair, 

Lest you should fret at her barberous creed. 

Whifet gent!y she lathered ray beard, 
The praises of the barberess I sune, 
And I Wkcd her the more wlien I heard 
Tfeat she frvM yi«}d to the tune of my tongvw. 

The Catholic is the prevailing religion here, and the ris- 
ing generation are taught in schools connected with the 
church. I dont, however, mean to intimate that the church 
discipline exercises a pernicious influence over the minds of 
the pupils; certainly not more than woiild be felt in bend- 
ing the infant mind to any other mode of worship, or any 
discipline known in prolestant schools. The public build- 
ings consist of a large and somewhat elegant cathedral, a 
r.ustom house, which is a very commodious edifice, a neat 
court-h<;-use of brick, and a strong arsenal and barracks, 

* Washer^voman and barbef. ' 



24 HISTORY OF TEXAS 

there are also many store houses and private dwelhngs, 
which denote opulence and comfort; but the chief and 
principal ornament and convenience of the city, and one 
which argues best for the taste of the inhabitants, is a fine 
open square called ha Place De Grande. 

In a southern climate, a shady promenade of this kind 
contributes largely to the health and comfort of the inhab- 
itants, and even in the compajative icy region of the Ches- 
apeake bay, an appropriation of a few lots of ground for 
such purposes would not be lost, but would be turned to a 
much better account than some spots I know of bordering 
the Patapsco river. Indeed, it is matter of astonishment 
that such culpable negligence should be manifest in some 
localities on such subjects. 

The chief commerce of Metamoras consists in the arti- 
cles of corn, beans, sugar, rice, potatoes, horses and horned 
cattle, ardent spirits, provisions, powder, lead, &c., which 
list articles with considerable quantities of cotton and 
voollen goods, are imported from the United States; and 
enterprising American merchants who settle here and 
make the necessary arran,gementa, with those initiated in 
tiie arts and mysteries of the Gulf trade generally amass 
a fortune in a few years. 

It is somewhat remarkable, that all the naval, and some 
of the officers of the Texan army, were captured during 
the civil war of 1833 — 6, and were permitted to revel in 
the dungeons of Metamoras instead of the halls of the 
Montazumas, at the city of Mexico, which was their ulti- 
mate intended destination; but like many others of this 
world's inhabitants, their cherished hopes were nipped 
in the bud, and the hall's of th« Montazumas are yet in the 
possession of the descendants of those who reared them. 

From Santa Fee to Metamoras there is rather an un- 
plqasant monotony in the appearance o( every thing, and 



HISTORY OF 7 EX AS. 25 

although the river iDeanders upwards oi : 000 miles be- 
tween those places, with the exception of those cities, 
there are no towns or settlements on its margin worthy 
of the least notice to emigrants. Revella, 1 1 0, and Car- 
mage, 200 miles above its mouth, are small hamlets, inhal> 
ited by a few Spaniards, Mexicans and Indians; both of 
which are places that present to the eye of a traveler 
every appearance of discomfort, and are not apt to sug, 
gest the idea of safety; and the tourist through this region, 
20 years hence, will probably find but little improvement, 
especially near the mouth of the river which empties ab- 
ruptly into the gulf, aifoi'ds no harbour for vessels, and 
tlie immediate surrounding country is uninviting in the 
extreme. 

In traveling from Metamoras to San Patricia, our party 
concluded to visit and examine a most singular deposit of 
salt, such as I have never elsewhere seen, or ever heard 
of. This is a lake of about 4 miles in circumference, the 
water of which evaporates during the summer months and 
leaves a bed of most excellent salt to the depth of several 
inches. There is a high and ragged precipice on the west 
side, from which water is continually dripping; but wheth- 
er tliis is the only source of supply, or whether the reser- 
voir is fed by some subterranean spring, we could not as- 
certain; and no outlet whatever is perceivable. The Mexi- 
cans, Indians and others, resort here in great numbers in 
pursuit of salt; and so great is the quantity, that an abund- 
ant supply of the article is generally obtained, 

A considerable scope of country bordering the Hio 
Grande is but badly supplied with water, and none is found 
purer than the river, -vyhich-in fact possesses similar qualities 
to that of the lyiississippij and is by many persons reckoned 
of the most wholesome kind. This section of country affords 
3 



26 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

a great variety of prairies, wastes and groves of timber* 
much of wiiich is sucii growth as is common in the South- 
em States: such as muskeat, cotton wood, pecan, cypress, 
cedar, pine and elm ; but few large fine oaks or poplar are 
found. 

Many persons believe that this comparative desert is the 
seat of yet invisible mines of wealth; and the poor devils 
often indulge in bright and golden dreams, forgetting that 
gold alone is not substantial wealth, but that if the coun- 
try should be the depositary of rich beds of iron, coal, 
marble,lead, copper, &:c., the benefit would be found more 
durable, and more extensively diffused, than has ever 
flowed from the glittering wealth in the mountains ol 
Potosia. 

Nuesses River. — This stream is not susceptible of much 
improvement, and does no afford sufficient water for the 
general purposes of navigation; rolls through a country 
which is miserably poor, and empties into Nuesses bay, 
and through that finds its way to the briny waters of the 
gulf of Mexico. It is only remakable as being the former 
boundary between Coahula and Texas, and the theatre of 
many a riduculous affray; and San Patricia is the only 
place near the margin that ought to be called a town, 
and this is unworthy of the name of any of the Sans or in 
English, Saints. 

Aransaso River.— This is a small handsome stream of 
water of sufficient depth to admit boats of light draught, 
penetrates a fertile country and empties into Esperitu 
bay. The country bordering this stream offers consid^ 
erablc inducements to emigrants, and is now being set- 
tled rapidly, particularly in the vicinity of the ■' ay» 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 27 

San Anzuaia - Tins river which is remarkably pure 
and wholesome, i.s formed by the waters of four spi'ings, 
in such quantities iriai n is forty yards in width, and four 
feet deep at the town of San Antonia, distant four miles 
below the springs. The bunks are bold and present ro- 
mantic scenery, such as not inaptly remind the traveler ol 
the classic shores of the Hudson. The water craft, how- 
evei*, is dissimilar, for here are none of Fulton's floating 
palaces, and the tourist must content himself as best he 
may with the accommodations to be found in a dug-out or 
Indian canoe. 

Among our party some amusing occurrences trans- 
pired when floating down this noble little river, such as 
reminded me most forcibly that man is a creature of cir- 
cumstances, and that the strongest bond of fellowship and 
union is best sealed when all parties are embarked in the 
same boat, while, ever and anon, the venerable piles con- 
secrated in early times to devotion and instruction, greet- 
ed our eyes, wearing a solemn and gloomy grandeur and 
are indeed, monuments to tell of by-gone days. 

Among the most important of these is the mission of con 
ception, San Joso, San Juan and Elspada ; none of which 
are at present occupied for the purpose designed by their 
pious founders ; but perhaps the day is now approaching 
when their altars will again be surrounded, while the ves- 
tal fire is shedding a mild and radiant light. 

The entrance to these buildings is through a magnificent 
arched gateway about 25 feet wide ; this leads into a spa- 
cious court, and thence into a large arched roof apartment, 
sufficiently commodious to contain several hundred persons. 
Leaving these, the mouth of the Medina river is past 20 miles 
below the town ofSan Antonia, and 80 miles below is Goli- 
ad rendered famous on account of the border warfare being 
frequently seated here, and eventually the waters of the 



28 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Guadalope and San Antonia rivers are united one mile 
above its entrance into Matagorda Bay. 

Mucli of the country bordering this river is of surpass- 
ing fertility, and has forinerly been under high state of 
cultivation; but almost every thing now wears the appear- 
ance of dilapidation and decay. Many of the ancient 
canals that formerly ii-rigated and fertilized the soil, have 
for a few years past been gradually filling up. Where once 
flowed the wholesome waters of the San Antonia river 
there are now deposits generating the seeds of disease and 
death, and where was once the abodes of peace, health 
and plenty, squalid poverty, sickness and want now stalk 
abroad in the land. 

This melancholy change had its origin in the warfare 
that severed Texas frojii the parent stock; many of the 
inhabitants having at that time abandoned their homes, 
being conscientiously opposed to the prevalent measures, 
and their property became a prey to the new government 
and is mostly yet unoccupied. The climate here is per- 
haps equal to any in the world, and instances of extreme 
longevity are by no means rare. There is in the sur- 
rounding country a sufficient supply of timber, and when 
this region i? again inhabited by a different race of beings 
froiTi the present occupants, and shall be under a settled 
government, a more healthy or desirable residence cannot 
be found. 

San Antonia Dc Bcxar.-r-T\ns is an ancient Spanish 
town, situated on both banks of the San Antonia river, in 
Latitude 39 dg. 2G min., Longitude 21 dg. 38 min. Much 
of the property here, as well as in the country, has been 
confiscated, and is yet without tenants; the population 
numbered about 8,000 previous to the war of 1835 — G 
but at present does not exceed 1,000 souls, and busiuesi 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 29 

of the place has decreased in proportion. Under more 
fortunate governments and people this would doubtless, in 
this, have become one of the first cities in North America, 
having been founded in 1692. 

In approaching the town, every thing denotes a system 
of defence; the houses are built of stone, nearly all of only 
one story, with flat roofs, and a parapet or strong wall 
above the covering, which is pierced for fire arms as well 
as the walls below; a ready communication can be kept 
up throughout the town by trap doors in the top of the 
houses; and this has often been found useful when the in- 
habitants were compelled to defend themselves from the 
attacks of roving and marauding parties, that have always 
made this place the seat of their wholesale depredations. 

The streets are straight and run at right angles; and 
upon the whole, the plan of the town is handsome and 
convenient; near the centre of which stands an ancient 
and venerable Cathedral, on whose frowning top has 
more than one been stationed, the messengers of death 
during the trying vicissitudes through which the citizens 
have past; and in the north east corner the remains of. 
the celebrated fortress, the Alamo rears its dismantled 
walls, and it is much to be hoped will serve as a beacon 
of light and warning to future generations. 

The substance of the following pathetic lines are said 
to have been written by Edward Fitzgerald, a noble pat- 
riot who fell in the Irish rebellion in 1798, and were 
thrown into their present form by a gentleman, a native 
of San Antonia De Bexar, but who since the war of 
1835 — 6 resides at the city of Mexico. 

San Antonia I my country, the hour 
Of your promising splendor lias past, 

And the chains, which were spurnej m your moments of power 
Hang heavily on you at last ! 



v/ 



30 ' HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Thero are marks ill I'.ie fiice of each dime, 
There are turns in the fort imps of men ; 
Bui the workinL's of art, nor the changes of time. 
Can ever restore thee again. 

Tliou art doonied f >r the thankless to toil, 
Thnu art left for the prouil to disdain ; 
And the blood of your sons, and the wealth of your soil, 
Have been wasted— and waited in va'ii. 

The Me.xican riches with taunts have been taken, 
Her valour willi treason repaid, 
And of millions who see us thus sank and forsaken. 
Not one stands forth to our aid. 

In the Mexican Slates, Texas is void ; 
She is out of the list of the free : 

And those we have nourished and cherished as Brothers, 
Have at lent'lh full possession of thee. 

The Guadalope. — This river is not at present navigabL^^ 
for Steam Boats, but is susceptible of improvement, ancJ 
will in time afford handsome commercial facilties. Its 
character much resembles the Holston, in Tennessee, and 
who ever has descended the Holston above Knoxville, has 
seen the Guadalope, or sometliing very near the same. 
The surronding country, however, is inferior to that of 
East Tennessee, in many respects — possessing no such 
groves of timber, no such fertile bottom lands, none of 
such sites for water-works, and none of the rich deposits 
of iron ore which are imbedded in the Tennessee h.ills and 
mountains. The timber in the surrounding country is 
s:milai' though not so abundant, and the pine forests in this 
part of Texas would call to tlie mind of an East Tennes- 
seean quite familiar objects. 

There are also some fine prairies and the country is well 
adapted to the raising of domestic animals, and at the 
present day large bodies of land adjacent to the river can 
be purchased as low as 25 cents per acre; much of which 
in the course of years to come will doubtless become 
valuable. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 31- 

Victoria, — This town is situated on the east bank of the 
Guadalope, 20 miles above its junction with the San An- 
tonia, and is a handsome and thriving little village. It has 
not, however, improved in proportion to age; having been 
founded many years ago by a wealthy Mexican, who now 
sleeps with his fathers; and the name of Martin De Leon, 
the original proprietor is fast fading from the memory of 
the present inhabitants of Victoria. 

Gonzales. — This famous town is situated on the west 
bank of the Guadalope, forty-five miles above Victoria. 
Previous to the revolution in Mexico, Gonzales had be- 
come a place of considerable importance in point of trade; 
!:as been the threatre of many bloody contests; was the 
liead quarters of General Houston, M-hen the Mexican 
army was besieging the Alamo; and soon after was burn- 
ed by order of the Texan Commander, and has since re- 
mained nearly desolate. 

Colorado. This is the noblest river in Texas. Rising 
far above the mountainous region, its course is nearly 
through the centre of the country, and empties into the 
magnificent Bay of Matagorda. Its average width is about 
200 yards, and when a raft of 1 2 miles near its mouth 
is removed, witl be navigable for mod'erate draught Steam 
Boats nearly to the mountains, a distance of 250 miles. 

Timber is abundant from one extremity to the other, 
and much of the soil of a dark dee]5 loam, of the richest 
kind, and not subject to inundation; and the river scenery 
in many places is beautiful indeed. 

Bastrop. — This town is situated on an elevated prairie 
on the east bank of the river, about 1 50> miles from its 
entrance into the bay; the central position of the place, 
and the fertility of tlie surrounding country, would s-eem ta 



32 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

designate Bastrop as a place of future eminence. Theie 
are however, but few inhabitants as yet, and on account 
of the unsettled state of the country in regard to Mexicans 
and Indians, will not be inviting to emigrants until some 
favorable change shall have taken place. 

Five other towns are laid out on this river, but not yet 
much improved, except the city of Matagorda at the mouth 
of the river, and this is but a city in embryo, but is proba- 
bly destined to become the emporium of Texas at some dis- 
tant day 

The oldest and best road in the country crosses, the 
river at the site of the town of La Grange, and extends 
from San Antonia De Bexar to Nacogdoches in Eastern 
Texas. Above this is the handsome little town of Colum- 
bus, and sixty miles below on a beautiful and elevated 
prairie is founded the city of Colorado. The plan of th* 
place as disclosed on the face of a map; is on a regular 
and extensive scale, and the site on the east bank of the 
river, fronting a range of hills 300 feet high; from the sum- 
mit of which the eye can feast on the rich landscape of 
the surrounding country with delight. From the plain of 
the city, the romantic cascade of Buckner'sHeights is seen 
leaping from precipice to precipice, until it reaches the 
creek which here unites with the Colorado river; the Col- 
orado mountains too variegate the scene, and lift their 
lofty summits apparently to the sky. 

This place will, at some future period, contain a dense 
and thriving population, and will doubtless, in time, become 
a desirable place of abode as well as the centre of a val- 
uable trade. The day of speculation, however, is nearly 
over; the present proprietors holding the property enor- 
Eiously high, and being in the possession of a company of 
caprv«lists, will most likely remain at present at small 
advanced rates. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 33 

The river here is pure, transparent, and wholesome, 
and several good springs have been found within a short 
distance from the city; and within six miles is a mineral 
spring of a quality not essentially different from the White 
Sulphur, in Virginia. Above this, in approaching the 
mountains, there are some valuable sites for water- works, 
and these facilities for manufacturing purposes will, bye 
and bye, be brought into full activity. Near the waters 
of the San Sabo, 80 miles distant from Colorado City, there 
is a silver mine that was formerly worked by the Span- 
iards and yielded a handsome revenue to the Government: 
the remnants of their implements of industry are yet visible; 
but whether the work was abandoned on account of the 
civil wars, or whether it continued productive to the last, 
is a subject upon which I have sought for satisfactory in- 
formation in vain. The mine is within the hunting grounds 
of the Cumanche Indians, who make bullets of the metal, 
and although it is believed but few of them know its value, 
they are yet rather disinclined to shew the place to 
strangers, and would scarcely permit any to fully explore 
or work the mine at present. 

Austin, — Forty miles above Bastrop is located the city 
of Austin, which is the present seat of Government, and 
will probably continue as such for a long time to come. 
The plan of Austin is handsome; the streets are wide and 
cross at right angles, and the site is on an elevated prairie 
stretching far away from the east bank of the Colorado 
River. The property here belonged to the people, and 
the seat of government has been removed from Houston, 
and permanently located here for the treble purpose of a 
more central position, and of raising funds by giving value 
to the public domain, and of reviving the almost forgotten 
4 



34 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

name of Stkphkn F. Austin, the first Emprasario an^ 
Father of Texas. 

In calling this a central position, I must not be under- 
stood as alluding to the present population, for Austin is 
immediately on the frontiers of the country; yet the location 
is as near central to tlie "whole territory as perhaps any 
suitable ])lace in tlie Republic; and such is the rapid ad- 
vance of the Anglo Saxon, that a few brief years will 
leave the seat of government in a thickly settled country, 
and central enough for convenience to the interior, as well 
as the seaboard; thus uniting objects and combining facili- 
ties which argue well for the foresight and sagacity of its 
founders. 

There are as yet but few buildings, and those for public 
use need no description ; the government, like individuals, 
just locating in a wilderness, and not in abundance of funds 
must be content with temporary buildings and accommo- 
dations for which however, all visitors pay an enormous 
ftrice : such for instance, as board for |,'30 per week. 

There can be but little doubt about the future prosperi- 
ty of Austin : take it all in all, it is a fine country, with 
the best navigable river in Texas flowing at its base. 

Most of the first quality of land adjacent to the Colo- 
rado river is now covered by surveys, but great quantities 
of second and third rate land in the hills and dells in 
every direction is yet unclaimed, and of course subject to 
the occupancy of emigrants under a late law donating land 
to permanent settlers. 

To those who are fond of a retired and quiet life, anJ 
would prefer the business of rearing stock, to the planting 
of cotton and sugar, would choose too, to be located among 
romantic hills and vales, such as are familiar to every wes- 
tern Virginian, and to drink from the cool running foun- 
tains, rather than the frequently turbid ri^ er, or stagnant 



IIISTOKY OF TEXAS. 3 

pond, these second and third rate lands would prove more 
valuable than much that is considered of tlie hrst quality. 
For as has always proved true elsewhere, so it will be 
here — rich lands are mighty allurements to those who esti- 
mate every thing by dollars and cents, and the rich and 
level lands of Texas will in a few brief years be thickly 
settled; the solemn grandeur of the wilderness and the quiet 
stillness of a secluded farm will be lost, and will have given 
place to the busy hum of business, and the inconveniences 
and annoyances, as well as the advantages to be derived 
from a residence among a dense, and too frequently, a 
licentious, population. 



HISTORY OF TEX/ 



CHAPTER III. 



Now, gentle reader, having conducted you from th^ 
western boundary to near the centre of the country, from 
whence we shall shortly approximate more considerable 
settlements, you are invited to take post with your guide, 
and humble servant, upon one of the lofty spires of the Col- 
orado mountains, from whence we can enjoy an extend- 
ed view of the surrounding country and the wilds we have, 
as most travelers, hastily passed, who have ever pene- 
trated these solitudes. Here, my friend, we will com- 
mune a while,- and, like Moses of old, view the promised 
land. 

In the company of two valued friends, one of whom 
now sleeps with his fathers, I once ascended this eminence. 
And, 

Down looked the sun of a summer's mom, 
From a blue and laughing sky ; 
The wild bee wound hia merry horn, 
And the rill came dancing by. 

And the flowers— Oh ! there was the wild primroee ! 
And the violet sweet and fair, 
And every radiant bud that blows. 
In Bummer's balmy air. 

With a pleasant song, like the first sweet words, 
Of a cherub child at play, 
My friend who is gone to the world aboTO, 
Broollicd a melodious mountain lay. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 37 

Arrived at the summit, by common consent of our par- 
ly, I christened the promontory the Peak of Otter, in 
memory of the Peak of Otter in Bedford County, Va., in 
sight of which I drew my first breath, and the first moun- 
tain that greeted my youthful eyes; here my infant years 
were watched over by a kind and affectionate mother, 
and the best of fathers, and the venerable mountain is 
associated in my ^mind with the happiest days of my life ; 
with the tender kindness of brothers and sisters, and all 
that indescribable something that has in after years fur- 
nished subjects of a sweet — a melancholy pleasure. 

Reader, call this what you please : weakness — folly — idol- 
atry — superstition, what ever you will; yet I own its sway, 
and declare that the dim outline of this noble mountain 
can never fade from my memory, and in filial gratitude, 
this Peak of Otter, in Texas, shall inherit the name, and 
may it hereafter be surrounded by as noble a race of men 
as its sire in the good old Dominion. 

There first budded pagsioa— there burst into bloom, 
The flower of young hope — through it may droop to thotc>Enb; 
But that brief life of love — though whole ages may roll 
Over my heart in dispondence— 'tis fresh in my soul ! 

Sweet clime of my kindred, blest land of my birth ! 
The fairest, the dearest, the briglitest on earth ! 
Oh ! where e'er I may roam — however bleet I may bc, 
My spirit instinctively turns unto thee! 

In taking an extended view of the surrounding country, 
from this spot, which is about 1 60 miles from Colorado 
city, nature is seen reposing in all its lovely sublimity and 
grandeur; to the north lie the high, dry and verdant prai- 
ries, dotted over with islands of timber, and wearing, in the 
distance, the appearance of a mighty arm of the sea; and 
like the sea too, these plains are inhabited, differing though 
in kind and appearance from those of the briny deep; but 



38 HISTORY O ' Tt XAS. 

perhaps not more in habit, thought, or virtue, than existi 
among some of om^ own species. 

To the west is seen, dashing through the defiles, a bold 
little stream, much resembling Jones's falls, near Baltimore ; 
and beyond the heights columns rising, presenting ima- 
ges to the eye not unlike the noble monuments which 
grace that famous city. 

My friend, I experience mingled sensations of sorrow 
and peace in contemplating such familiar objects, though 
they remind me of the bitterest dregs I have drank, and 
recall misfortunes which I never deserved; they also, call to 
mind that it was in view of such objects that I have spent 
many happy days with my prattling little boys, and the 
chosen partner of my bosom, the last of whom now sleeps 
the sleep of death and whose remains repose in their 
vicinity, and is yet the abode of the tender pledges of her 
love, on whom she doted with all the hopeful fondness of 
a most affectionate mother. 

In casting our eyes over the extended plain which 
stretches far to the north, and is finally lost in the distance, 
herds of Buflalo are seen quietly feeding on the bounties 
of nature; droves of wild horses are seen gamboling over 
the swells, and ever and anon herds of noble bucks are 
bounding over the prairies; not that they deserve to be 
thus chased and hunted down by their neighbors, but for 
the same reasons that sometimes operate on the minds of 
the best and bravest of civilized men, who are compelled 
to retreat for a time, or fall victims, to ruthless plun- 
derers of lucre and reputation, who often possess sufllcient 
hypocracy to conceal the most envious malignity ami 
grossest acts of turpitude, under a show of justice and 
law. Such are cowardly, dasterdly and ignoble, villauis, 
without one redeeming quality, and are more dangerou.-^, 
out unworthy to l)e compared to the bold outlaw who robs 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 39 

vviJiout disguise, when he is in netd, and seeks redress lor 
wrongs in the face of day. 

There are many other animals, and many of the feath- 
ered tribe, who occupy a vast extent of country to the 
north and west from liere, extending to the 42nd degree 
of north latitude, parallel with the State of Massachusetts : 
here and there the plains and forests are sprinkled with 
the villages and wigwams of the red men and rightful 
owners of the country, who subsist principally by the 
chase, and who display remarkable dexterity in kidnapping 
and subduing wild horses, buffalo, &c. 

"The lazo is the harbinger of misery and servitude, in 
the republic of Horses, and exercises as pernicious an in- 
fluence there, as the stratagems of wily demagogues, or, 
the heartless devices of money worshipers, often do in 
the repttJjlics of men. 

* This instrument, the lazo, is a long, strong, cord, 
made of raw hide, with a noose at one end; and while the 
fated animals are trotting around, and gazing at, and per- 
haps admiring the painted face and nodding plume of the 
enemy, the lazo is suddenly thrown at the best within 
reach, and with all the certainty of a rifle ball, fastens itself 
around the head and throat of the victim; the noWe animal 
is enraged and makes desperate efforts to escape, but it is 
now too late, and all his energies only serve the more firm- 
ly to rivet his chains and deprive him of breath; the wily 
Indian now approaches by slow degrees, his countenance 
indicating the fiendish malignity sometimes seen in paler 
faces, when winding their invisible cords around, and se- 
curing their superiors who have confided where there was 
no honor, and at one bound he leaps upon the back of the 
captured horse, loosens the cord, and oft' dashes the noble 
steed with tlie swiftness of the wind. Like every thing 
else, he is at length exhausted and submits with apparent 



40 HISTORY CF TEXAS 

resignation ^ be led by the pirate, and is most generally 
so completely subdued, that he resists no more. 

Some few of these horses are noble animals indeed, bu* 
among them there is a great variety, embracing every 
grade, from first rate down to the little scrub of Mustang, 
scarcely worth possessing. They are all of noble ances- 
try, their forefathers, having been reared in Arabia and 
brought to these wilds by Spaniards, in early times; but 
much like other noble ancestor's posterity, they have 
degenerated in proportion to the increase. To the south 
west, the river San Bernard is distinctly traced by the rolling 
highlands, covered with cedar and pine, and the interme- 
diate country dotted over with clusters of live oak, pecan 
and magnolia. This river may hereafter afford some 
facilities for commerce, and will probably be ascended 
some fifty miles Mith small Steam Boats; but afr- present 
there is no use for them, and few traces of civilization 
along its margin. 

Beyond this, the Caney creek countiy is descried by 
the woody fringe that skirts its banks; and if we could 
more closely view it, would doubtless find as rich soil as 
there is any where in the countiy; but like every where 
else, nature has divided her gifts here, and where there is 
the most luxuriant soil tliere are also the seeds of disease, 
musquetoes and otlier insects to annoy us, and a bad sup- 
ply of wholesome w^ater. 

By a stretch of vision to the south, the fertile lands of 
the La Bacca and Navadad rivers may be seen. These 
handsome little rivers come nearly from the same source, 
and appear unwilling to travel alone ; but after many freaks 
of receding and approaching, like two fond lovers, they 
are at length united, and glide off together into Matagorda 
Bay. 

In turning to the north east, something much resem- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 41 

bling an irregular cloud is dimly seen. This is a skirt of 
woodland from 2 to 12 miles wide, called the cross tim- 
bers, and stretches from the Colorado to the Trinity river, 
in Eastern Texas, Whether this was once the beacli of 
a mighty lake or sea we must leave to the geologist to 
determine. 

On and beyond this there are appearances of minerals 
of several kinds, and even at the foot of this towering 
pile, on which we stand, there is a rich bed of bituminous 
coal, which at some distant day will furnish fuel for Dr. 
Nott's stoves in the cities below, and also for Steamers and 
Manufactories. All the region near the Peak of Otter, 
affords a full supply of pure spring water and an abundance 
of timber for a long time to come ; but such is the extent 
of view from here, that much of the country that can be 
seen is comparatively destitute of these necessary articles; 
and should such localities ever be inhabited, rain collected 
and preserved in cisterns will be the most wholesome be- 
verage attainable; and timber brought from a distance or 
planted on the spot will be the only source of supply. 

Partly within our view from this Peak is the hunting 
grounds of the Camanches, Kickapooes, Shawnees, Vo- 
loskies, Bedies, Wakoos and Cronks. The first mention- 
ed, of which is the most numerous, powerful and warlike 
of all the Southern tribes, are uncommon fine looking men 
and women; some of them exhibiting the most perfect 
symmetry united with a muscular and athletic frame; the 
countenances strongly marked, indicative of intelligence 
and generosity; while that of others bespeak the wily 
knave, and cunning lurks in every feature. 

These men are perhaps the best horsemen in the world; 
a fact of which they appear to be aware, and they pride 
themselves upon their feats of agility, their strength and 
5 



42 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

numbers, and more than all, upon their prowess and lios- 
pitality. Were this tribe provoked to hostilities, or induc- 
ed to believe that peace was not for their interest and 
honor, the present population of Texas would be exter- 
minated and their homes made desolate in a brief s[)ace 
of time. So, ye wise ones, beware. 

Armed with a rifle, sabre and shield, they mount the 
fleetest horse, and while in the act of loading their piece 
throw themselves so completely on the opposite side from 
an adversary, that nothing but one foot and that locked 
about the horse's withers can be seen; in the twinkling oi' 
an eye they are erect and fire with fatal eflect while at 
full speed. 

The lance is used in close combat, and is handled with 
a skill and dexterity that would astonish a scientific tutor 
of sword exercise; and the shield of an oval shape which is 
made of the thickest part of the neck of Buffalo skin, 
sei'ves to protect them from the shots or thrusts of an 
enemy. 

There are fine traits to be seen in the leading charac- 
ters of these people, for although they sometimes amuso 
themselves at the expense of the property and nerves of 
the pale faces, and display a tact and celerity in theiz 
movements that would reflect no discredit upon the most 
renowned veterans in such service, yet they mostly are 
honest in their intercourse with the whites, ajid would 
scorn an act of perfidy, particularly in small affairs; they 
are kind, open and liberal to strangers,- and at once brave 
and generous to a fault. 

They have learned, too, the value of a peaceful com- 
merce, and are probably aware that their wants can be 
supplied with as little labor, less risk and more lionour, 
by exchanging their horses, buffalo skin, and other peltry, 
and their Mexican gold and silver for supplies, th?.n by 



HISTORY OF TEXAS 43 

the barbarous mode of plundering; and to a question 
M'hich I asked one of their head men, he replied in a man- 
ner that would have done honour to the most refined states- 
nan of the age. 

While Bear — (that was his name) said I, " Do you love 
Americans, and is there now, and likely to continue, a good 
understanding between your young men and our pale 
brothers in Texas?" 

The old man paused — for be it known these people never 
interrupt a person when speaking, until they are sure the 
speaker is through and waiting for an answer. He was 
in this instance an aged chief, whose locks were silvered 
over by the frosts of many winters; and grasping in the 
most friendly manner my right hand, "' Barbashela* — 
White Bear, Camanche, not want to kill pale faces while 
their brothers give us powder, blankets, fire-water and 
all we want, and Camanche not want to make Great 
Spirit angry, for he smell pale faces blood when we kill 
them." Then laying his left hand on his heart in a man- 
ner that proclaimed his sincerity, he hastily turned away. 

Their women are perfect daughters of Eve in the gar- 
den of Eden, at least as far as the apron is concerned, for 
this, in warm weather, is the only article of wearing ap- 
parel used, and among the daughters of the principal chiefs, 
particularly the most comely, this badge is dispensed with ; 
and they ride, dance and sing in all the elegant simplicity 
of true children of nature, displaying such graceful forms 
and delicate proportions as might well be envied by many 
of our fair city belles adorned with a profusion of silks, 
paints, and artificial curls. It is a somewhat remarka- 
ble fact, as yet there has been less blood shed in collisions 
between Indians and Americans in Texas than has attend- 
ed the spread of our own or similar institutions in any otho) 

*Good Man. 



44 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Dortion of the Continent, Pennsylvania excepted ; but it 
will in future require wise councils, and a consummate 
degree of prudence and energy to conciliate and keep 
m check the numerous tribes by which the country is in 
part surrounded, and to which large additions are constant- 
ly making by the policy of the U. States government. 

If these northern barbarians, like the Goths and Vandals 
elsewhere, of old, do not at some future period desolate 
the fair plains of Texas, she will be fortunate indeed, and 
the lone Star, the emblem of the country, may in time, shed 
a mild and effulgent light — 

The lone Star on your banner, 
Long may il shed 
A light for the living 
And honours for the dead. 

When the country around the Peak of Otter shall be 
transformed into cultivated fields, and the dome of a semi- 
nary of learning shall greet the eye of the spectators, as 
do the proportions of the University of Virgfnia ; when 
treading the hallowed ground of Monticello, the Athens 
of Texas, will have been founded, the salutary influence 
of which will cover the land. 

But this if ever done, must necessarily be a work of 
time, and the pioneers of the country can only hope to 
level the ground, and their children, or perhaps grand 
children, to lay the foundation of an edifice which a suc- 
ceeding generation will build on and complete. 

I have recently stood by the grave of Thomas Jeffer- 
son : this is marked by a small obelisk of granite, and o 
plain marble slab by his side, which tell of the last resting 
place of his bosom companion on earth ; on each of these 
there are simple, but aU'ecting inscriptions significant oi 
the character of the man when alive. The cemetej Lv 



HISTORY OF TEXA 45 

surrounded by a low stone wall, enclosing nine deposito- 
ries of the dead. 

The mansion is a noble structure, combining elegance 
and utility with strength, and has for its model an ancient 
Castle in the highlands of Scotland, a handsome porticc? 
on two sides of the edifice, is studded with large but beau- 
tiful columns. The apartments are neatly finished and 
yet in good order ; but the ground and out-houses have 
been much neglected, and the property is now owned and 
occupied 1^ a Jew! a Capt. Levi, of the U. States Navy. 

The road from Charlottsville, leads a circuitous ascens 
of about two miles up the miniature mountains, to the 
mansion and grave of Jefferson. On entering the gate, 
several roads diverge to various directions through a hand- 
some grove, winding to the summit on which the house 
stands ; and at a short distance within the grove, rest the 
remains of the sage of Monticello. 

Here, when surveying the extensive country within 
view, with its red land farms, and comfortable mansions, 
the lovely little Ravana meandering in the distance, the 
smiling town of Charlottsville, teeming with life and ani- 
mation, at the base of the classic mountain, the long range 
of colonades and stately edifices, which are the labora- 
tories of genius and talent, the mind was irresistably borne 
back to the time when this highly improved country was 
as that now is, surrounding the Peak of Otter, in Texas; 
the hunting ground of the red man and the home of un- 
instructed nature in the forest. 

If it is invariably true, then that like causes produce 
the same effects, the road for the inhabitants of Texas to 
travel is plain ; keeping always before them the fact, that 
man to be civilized must be instructed; that our arts and i ui 
arms are but messengers of mischief in unskilful han Is, 
and that there is no state of society so insufferably bad 



46 IIISTOKY OF TEXAS, 

as that of semi-barbarians, who have learned our vices, 
but not enough of civilization to comprehend or practice 
its virtues. 

Let education be complete, 

Or the end in view will meet defeat. 

Is this a digression from the subject matter of the work ? 
No ; in the language of a celebrated Roman patriot, " I 
am a man, and therefore interested in the welfare of man- 
Jiind" — and who that is not entrenched in narrow, con- 
tracted, and bigoted feehngs can fail to feel the force 
and majesty of the noble Roman's remark and under in- 
fluences which it tends to excite, not find his senses chas- 
tened and liis mind expanded and exalted. Such a senti- 
ment comprehends the vast results of intellectual achieve- 
ments ; all the moral attributes of our nature, all the finer 
emotions and benevolent duties, of life in the family cir- 
cle, as well as the zenith of patriotism in the love of our 
species and country. 

The man who is indifferent to the condition of society, 
who takes no interest in the daily accumulating means 
In-ought into action for its amelioration and improvement, 
is not only a useless drone but a positive burden on the 
community who receive from him no aids or benefits while 
he is reaping rewards from the labour of others, without 
bearing any of the heat or burdens of the day. Such 
lethargy of soul, whether real or aflected, that many ex- 
hibit to every thing around them, save only their ind^ 
vijual, but short sighted interest, is highly criminal in 
every rational being, and particularly so in an American 
citizen, and need not be expected in the conduct of one 
who has undertaken the task of mstruction, and who is 
tl e natural and responsible guardian for those who are 
t. mingle for good or for evil in the busy world, when i 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 47 

sleep with my fathers. I do not, however, mdulge the 
vain hope of pleasing every one ; I am only determined 
to aim at nothing short of what I believe to be the duty 
of every good citizen, and shall remain better satisfied in 
defeat when pursuing a proper end than I could possi- 
bly experience when enjoying the most triumphant suc- 
cess purchased by a conscious degradation, or in any way 
attained by ignoble means. 

Who then can promise even himself any permanent, 
happiness when he does not feel a single impulse for the 
prosperity of his fellow man ; who when not surrounded 
by favourable circumstances for the cultivation of the 
finer feelings of our nature, find the buds of promised 
happiness blasted, the source of his delight dryed up, 
end a dreary vacuum left around his heart, to say nothing 
of that natural instinct which prompts us to love those, to 
whom we are bound by ties of friendship and kindred 
blood ; and if any there be who have not felt its holy in- 
fluence, but are strangers to every emotion growing out 
of the association, I envy not their feelings. 

If pleasure dwells unmixed below the skies, 
Such pleasure must from sacred friendship rise; 
Of all which animates the human frame, 
'Tis the noblest ardour and the purest flame. 

Learn then, my reader, to toil for this end. 
That you may earn the kindness of a friend; 
Not his shadow — that is gained as soon as sought, 
And quite as easy lost, without a fault. 

Then should you miss the noble prize, 
The sad defeat— will make you wise; 
Defeat itself when thus employed. 
Is happiness to be enjoyed. 

So extended is the view from the summit of the 
•\s Peak of Otter that it necessarily embraces a consider- 
able portion of country in a south western direction that 



48 HI TORY OF TEXAS 

will never be worth cultivating, and within these iiniits 
mere are wet and marshy prairies, that teem with poisonous 
reptiles, and swarm with insects of every variety of and 
noying powers, and wo be to the weary traveler and his 
jaded horse if he be found there of a summer's day com- 
pelled to inhale the poisonous vapors. 

Again there are localities in sight here that are infested 
with worse than savage white men, many of whom are 
fugitives from justice, and have found an asylum here 
where legal retributive justice cannot overtake them. — 
To my mind, beings capable of enjoying the delights of 
social intercourse could not be doomed to worse punish- 
ment than to spend a life among these lawless and depraved 
wretches, composed as they mostly are, of the most des- 
perate characters from the four quarters of the globe. 

Yet among such degraded of God's creatures as congre- 
gate here, something useful may be learned, and my own 
short intercourse among this part of the population of 
Texas, has convinced me that it is a school that would 
teach useful lessons to some of our would be wise onps 
if it did not lead to improvements in tlie enacting and ad- 
ministration of our laws, and cause our law givers. Judges 
and others at the head of affairs, to do what is right in 
place of what is popular- 

In short, there are men in Texas who have been di'iven 
there by the vengeance of authority in place of equity and 
justice, and by the machinations of worse men than them- 
selves ; and in many cases the shock to their feelings and theii 
after intercourse with the vicious have completely undone 
them ; and as a necessary consequence they become use- 
less drones, if not mortal enemies to their own species — a 
curse to themselves and their country and friends. 

It was once my lot to sleep in an Inn where from some 
casual gathering, I was brought in contact with 14 men, 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 49 

all of whom acknowledged freely that they had absconded 
from theh' native country, and were drawn into Texas 
as a last resort. This congregation of characters were 
novel to me, and feeling some interest in their history, I 
obtained, as I believe, a substantially correct account of all 
the material facts, which for the information of the reader, 
I will narrate in the succeding chapter. 



to HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



CHAPTER IV. 



To rei'kless spirits juurneyiiig from afar, 
'Tis Texas yet presents a Polar Star; 
By misfortune, crime and oppression driven, 
From every Stale and Kingdom under heaven. 



I \s'il\ ri&ver oonseiU to cater for a niorbid appjiko, or 
to minister to a corrupt heart, and the subject of this Chap- 
ter is unfolded (rem- vnotavea foreign to any such purpose: 
on the contrary, I am influenced solety by a desire of 
impartin.g such inforiufition as I decra of importance, and 
such as I hope more of my countrymen will proiils by than 
will ever pitch their tents in the republic of Texas, 

The fact is, the country and its inhabitants liave been 
gros.sly calumniated by some, and too higlily extolled and 
overrated by others; the fruit of whicli is no permanent 
advantage to any, but a junto of land spectators, while it is 
productive of evil and serious disappointment to many, 
particularly those who have, been allured into the country 
by reading exaggerated discriptions of every thing, and pro- 
mises made which were never to be i-ed,eenied. 

It is one of the leading objects, of the work to disabuse 
the pubHc nvind, and to exhibit men and things as they are, 
'- to nothing extei^uate,. or set down aught in malice," for 
f consider it no trifling affair for men in almost any con- 
dition to quit their native country and friends in pursuit 
^f tlie fickle coddess^ fortune,, and when loo late, find that 



liIi-"f(.)KY iF 'JIXAS. 51 

their compass has been set wrong, and it is a matter of grave 
and serious importance for those who are comfortably 
located to migrate to a distant region, of which they are 
for all practicable purposes profoundly ignorant. 

{ have seen enough of this m Texas and anionc? those 
too who were capable, and would have done well had 
rhey been in possession of correct information before- 
hand, such as comes home to the business of every man, 
and such as would have enabled theiri in time to judge 
knowingly, whether a removal was advisable or not. 

Again, 1 consider the character of the inhabitants of ti 
country of quite as much importance as a description of 
the soil ; and I would take the liberty of denying in ad- 
vance, the sweeping assertions that are sometimes made, 
wherein these peo])le have been branded en masse, as 
abandoned outlaws. 'Tis not true. 

There are, as every where else, bad men, and per- 
haps an over-proportion of such among them ; but there 
are also many men who would do honor to any country ; 
and such wholesale charges are only suited to the vicious 
propensities of those whose very element is slander and 
detraction ; and who to gratify the meanest and basest of 
of passions, would, if possible, consign to eternal infamy 
their fellow men. People, however, well continue to go 
to Texas, and if emigrants are not correctly advised, the 
fault shall not be mine. 

We will now return to the Inn and our fourteen out- 
laws ; eight of these, by their own confession, were mur- 
derers, and had embued their hands in human blood. 

The first was a tall, red whiskered, and most villainous,* 
looking man, who carried the indelliable mark of Cain 
upon his forehead, who declared that he had killed a d — nd 
ras<".al in Kentucky and was glad of it ; and eiuphatically 
pronounced the s^me doom for the next persDU he should 



52 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

see bearing the least resemblance to the victim •, he express 
ed the greatest abhorrence for ail law, and thought that 
every man was the best judge of the extent of injuries 
done him, and the proper mode of redress. 

The next in turn, was a short, dark Creole looking 
wretch, with a sort of devil-may-care expression of coun- 
tenance, distorted and bloated by an immoderate use of 
brandy ; and he acknowledged that the jolly god was the 
only majesty he would ever worship ; for, said he "I was 
reared by pious parents and instructed in all the tenets of 
the Catholic Church, and the god I then worshipped de- 
serted me, and I'll serve him no more." 

This fellow was born in the city of Vera Cruz and in 
early life was discarded by his ladyJove, which caused 
him to imbibe an inconquerable hatred against all women 
and mankind, and he soon leagued with a band of Pirates 
who then infested the Gulf. After years of villainy and 
perilous adventures, he found himself in New-Orleans, and 
there met the objects of his especial dislike ; watched for 
and found a favorable opportunity, and sent, unprepared, 
before his God, the rival of his early affections. 

"Your career," remarked another, whose weather beat- 
en features told of misfortunes and sorrow, "your sad 
career is nearly allied to my own. 

Reared near the river St. Lawrence, among the roman- 
tic water falls and lofty promontories that adorn the coun- 
try, I early imbibed a thirst for adventure ; and at an ear- 
ly age fell passionately in love with a daughter of a weal- 
thy Frenchman, and at once determined to possess her. 
Her father discountenanced my suit on account of my 
poverty ; and she being unwilling to elope with me, I soon 
determined on revenge. My feelings, I suppose, were 
near akin to the dog in the mangar : as I could not be 
gratified in returned affection, I was unwilling that another 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 53 

snould; and I soon found means to put an end 10 the 
ea'-thi y career of both father and daughter, and to eflect 
n^.y escape from Canada to Texas. 

But, that dark deed has forever undone me, suffering 
and exph-ing innocence haunts my dreams by night, and 
tliere is nothing to cheer or stimulate me by day, except 
that accursed bottle; and often have I, when awakened from 
the stupor it occasions, been on the point of destroying 
myself to escape the perpetual misery I endure." 

" /Vnd I," said another, " endure the same. When I 
think of the happy home I had in my youth; the kind and 
indulgent parents and loving brothers and sisters which 
my infamy has ruined — Hell, yes. Hell, with all its hor- 
rors racks my bosom, and oft have I cursed myself for the 
want of that courage that has always failed me when I 
have determined to commit suicide. 

I received a classical education, at an eastern College; 
and falling in with dissolute companions, the money which 
my father had earned by patient industry, was squandered 
by me at the gaming table, and other sinks of iniquity, 
and having by degrees been taught by my companions that 
I had received a wrong education, that the world was a 
band of robbers, different individuals only making use of 
the different means to accomplish the same end; my moral 
feelings gradually gave way to such as have proved my 
total ruin. I was at last pennyless, and without any com- 
punctions of conscience, at the time I supplied rq^ wants, 
by easing a capitalist of his burden, and throwing him in 
the dock. This act sealed my fate; and I have already 
suffered ten thousand deaths, and the future promises noth- 
ing for me but unmixed misery." 

The next said that he had killed a man towards whom 
from his first acquaintace he had felt nothing but friendship ; 
but meeting him at a tavern and both getting intoxicated, 



61 HIS TORY O ^ TI XAS. 

they differed about some imaginary affairs, then fought— 
took another drink, and fought again ; and in the second 
content, his adversary was about to overpower him, when 
lie snatched an iron bar and hiid his former friend a corpse. 
"For this unfortunate aflair," said he, "I have never suf 
fered much ; my conscience does sometimes smite me 
when I think of the cause of my friend's death, and 
I have made it a rule ever since to drink but five glasses 
a day, and on that I can keep my wits about me. I have 
now got my wife and children here, and am doing better 
than I was before." 

The history of the sixth man was unfolded with so 
much apparent sincerity — while his countenance beam- 
ed with benevolent feelings- — that I was fully persuaded 
that he had indeed been the child of misfortune, and not 
of crime. He had been raised by respectable parents, 
and had qualified himself for the bar, and after several 
wears of successful practice, had been induced to devote 
his time and talents to politics, and had held some impor- 
tant stations in the United States ; but unfortunately, ex- 
cited the envy of a particular party, ond was on some 
pretext challenged for a duel. "I was unwilling," said 
he, " to uselessly endanger my life, and felt an abiding 
horror at the thought of taking the life of another; but 
there was no alternative but to fight, or be branded 
as a coward, and treated with contempt, by most of those 
among whom I lived ; it was false ideas of honour, then, 
that drove me into the commission of a crime, and not 
my own wickedness. But I have often since wished that 
I had encountered the sneers and jests of the careless 
world ; for I could have borne that with more composura 
than I have the recollection of giving way to an inhuman 
custom, and failing to exert every faculty of mind in pro- 
viding an effectual check to this renmant of barbarism." , 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 55 

T!ie seventh was a man advanced in years, and of a ven- 
erable appearance, wlio stated that he had accumulated 
by constant industry a handsome property, and had thought 
he had many friends ; but meeting with some losses in bu- 
siness, those whom he had been accustomed to confide in, 
while acting m the guise of friends, had by art and stm- 
tagem involved him in still greater difficulties ; and when 
his property was all gone they became open enemies, and 
thrust him into prison for a pretended balance claimed to 
be due. i 

He was thus cut oft' from the society of his wife and 
little ones, without the means to provide for their support, 
and that by fraud and management, of a combination, he 
was kept in confinement for near twelve months ; during 
which time, his children without his consent had been 
bound out, and his wife had died of grief. "At length,'' 
said he, "when no further injury could have been done 
me, I wa-s libei-ated, and at once resolved to seek revenge 
for such atrocious villainy, and speedily sent to eternity 
the principal author of my ruin, and fled to Texas. 1 
gneve over my misfortunes and mourn over the depravity 
of some of my fellow men ; but shall never regret this 
last act, nor think that I sinned in obtaining sufficient of 
another man's money to provide for i«y safety after being 
thus robbed of all that I had." 

Now, gentle reader, I, the author of this book, do, witli 
a dtie deference for the op'nion of others, consider this 
<,tld man's history a rather forcible commentary tipon the 
piratical practice of imprisoiMiient for debt, as it exists in 
some of the republican states of this Union, where the- 
common benefits of the system is the gratification of some 
dishonest and malignant sharpers, at the expense of the 
hberty, property and all we hold dear; and in nnie cases 
out of ten, the sufferers are entirely more worthy men 



o6 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

than the creatures by whom they are incarcerated. Indeed 
all experience proves that men are not wanting, capable of 
deeply injuring a fellow creature, and then tremble for 
safety until the victim is put where he cannot retaliate at 
once: and while immunity is thus purchased, public atten- 
tion is diverted from the baseness of the creditor, and the 
prisoner in the public eye assumes a character nearly al- 
lied to that of a criminal. The system of imprisonment 
for debt, never has, nor ever will, effect to any useful 
extent, the object of its adoption; it does not facilitate 
the collection of debts, or teach men caution or integrity 
in their dealings; and of these facts even the people of 
Texas are well aware, and make a distinction between 
poverty and crime, and thus in their infancy have wrested 
this engine of oppression from the grasp of tyrants. The 
fact is, a man that will be coerced into a payment, deserves 
to wear the badge of slavery from the cradle to the grave. 

The eighth and last of the mm^ierers commenced nar- 
rating his exploits by quoting verbatim, the robber's an- 
sw er to Alexander. " And what is a conqueror," said he. 
"Have you not, too, gone about the earth, like an evil 
genius, blasting tlie fair fruits of peace and industry, plun- 
during, ravaging and killing, without justice, and without 
law, merely to gratify an insatiable thirst for dominion. 

All that I have done to a single district, with a hundred 
followers, you have done to whole nations, with one hun- 
dred thousand. If I have stripped individuals, you have 
ruined whole kingdoms. What, then, is the difference, 
but as you were born a king, and I a private individual? 
you have been able to become a mightier robber than !/■ 

"And," exclaimed he, "a large majority of men are 
robbers. Robbery, gentlemen, said he, disguised in various 
vvaj-a extends its ramifications into every department of 
society. It penetrates the air and exists among the feath 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 57 

ered tribes. It fathoms the deep and commits depreda- 
tions in the republic of fishes, it stalks fortli in the forest, 
and the most aggravated robberies are committed in the 
kingdom of animals, where the strong and vicious subsist 
on the labour of others v^^eaker but more virtuous. But 
among civilized men we liave the refinement of robbery; 
there are robbers by trade, robbers by falsehood and fraud; 
it enters the domestic sanctuary in the guise of a friend, 
legislative halls, in the guise of a patriot; the Courts 
of justice in the guise of authority; the temple dedicat- 
ed to the Lord, in the guise of a saint, and tlie noblest 
villain of them all, is he who robs boldly and Mathout dis- 
guise, and murders when he is deeply wronged; and this 
kind of a robber and murderer, said he, am I." 

He then further explained his creed, by stating that he 
had imder colour of law, been robbed of a handsome for- 
tune by a man who was rich and popular, and could prove 
almost any thing desired; that by the influence he could 
exercise in elections, the Sheriff of the county was a crea- 
ture of his own manufacture, and tliat through the Sheriff 
and clerk, a packed jury could always be obtained, by keep- 
ing men in needy circumstances always in debt; that the 
judge on the bench was not gold proof, and w^ould readi- 
ly accept an alliance with such a formidable man; rnd 
that by emmissaries in the pay of his opponent, his own 
character had been ti'aduced to such an extent that he was 
regai'ded by some with indifference, and by others, after 
his money was gone, witii contempt. 

This schooling, said he, made me a robber and murdcr- 
^' and I glory in my calling, having first robbed the 
scoUw|j,q\ (jf [^jg ijig ^^Q j^j^^j^ {jy jj judicial decision, rob- 
bed me .f j-jTjy property; and if there had been no such 
place as Tt^^g, 1 »rould have been hanged. 
t 



58 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Of the remaining six of the party, four had absconded 
for debt, rather than go to jail, one for a charge for 
rape, of which he protested he was innocent, and the 
sixth, under a charge of fraudulent insolvency and swin- 
dling. 

The four first mentioned, all assorted, that they had be- 
gun life without the remotest intention of any thing like 
unfair dealings, but had been unfortunate in business and 
had paid out all they possessed without being able to 
satisfy their creditors; that then as fast as any thing was 
earned by industry, it was seized upon and sacrificed by 
those who yet held demands against them; and that evi n 
to avail themselves of the benefit of the insolvent laws re- 
quired a sum of money which they could not easily com- 
mand; and as a last resort they had souglit for, and found 
freedom in Texas, which had been denied them in the land 
of their birth.* The man charged with rape, observed that 
in youth he had been pierced with one of Cupid's darts, and 
that the object of his affections was very beautiful and ac- 
complished, and was connected with alarge cu'cle of wealthy 
and influential friends, who refused their consent to the mar- 
riage; but the lady professing to reciprocate his love, she 
consented to a proposal of his having for its object the 
mortification of her relatives, as well as to induce their 
consent to the union. The fact transpired, and this beau- 
tiful Hebe was the first to make charges of a serious na- 
ture against him, which com])elled him to fly from his 
country. He did not pretend that he intended to comply 
with his promises to the fair one, but freely adnlittc(' 
that his motives were base ; but, said he, " I was not "*^'° 
greatest hypocrite of the party, and was as inno'^^^ *^^ 
the crime charged against me as a child unWrr 

*;Vo<c-Siran?easil irayaopear, there s at least "'^ State '"*''« Uiikui where ii 
will cost about from 50 to 0100 to swear out of Jai^ 



HISTORY OP TEXAS 69 

The last of the party stated that he was for many years 
doing a prosperous business in one of the Atlantic cities, 
as a merchant; that during the general pressure in the 
money market that prevailed in 1837-8 his substance grad- 
uall}^ disappeared, by a process that he supposed had been 
felt by many whom he had left behind him. "I happen- 
ed," said he, " to belong to the wrong political party to 
suit the the times; and while the staunch supporters of 
the then administration were in some mysterious way sup- 
plied with money, I was compelled to resort to those pests 
of society, called shavers, to enable me to keep up ap- 
pearances. At length one of these vultures had so far 
got me in his power as enabled him to gratify his long 
cherished desire to possess the remainder of my property-, 
and to effect his purpose I, without the least suspi- 
cion of what was going on, was visited by an officer, and 
taken into custody on a charge of swindling, and fraudii- 
lent insolvency. I declare in the face of high heaven that 
I was as innocent of either, as any other man could possi- 
bly be; but a desire of ultimate, and at the first possi- 
ble moment, to do justice to all, influenced my every ac- 
tion, and had I not fell into the hands of those who 
acted in concert, and were pi'obably bound by inter- 
est, or some secret engagement, my innocence could 
have been made appai-ent at once; or at any rate, my 
principal friends M'ould not have been designedly got out of 
the way, and myself summarily conducted to prison, with- 
out any time allowed to find bail. The die Was how- 
ever now cast, the news flew like fire in the woods, 
and before I had been twelve hours out of my store, 
a majority had already pronounced me guilty without 
any proof whatever. I soon became a most conspi- 
cuous character; in some circles it was reported that I had 
robbed the Bank; in others, that I had absconded for for- 



60 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

gery; in others, again, that I had been detected in intro- 
ducing smuggled goods; and however much people differed 
as to the degree of my crime, all, or nearly so, had made 
up their minds in advance, that I had gone to jail; and as 
a matter of course, deserved the severest punishment. 

Months rolled on, my business ruined, and I deprived of 
my liberty, without a crime, and without a final trial, (not 
unlike hanging a man and trying afterwards,) till at length, 
the Hon. court convened, and I was placed at its bar; by 
this time the news had spread far and wide, and attracted 
the curiosity of a great concourse of people. 

Among some, I was understood to be a defaulting col- 
lector; among others, a partizan of the revolutionists, in 
Canada; in the south, a notorious abolitionist; in the north, 
a downright nuUifier; among some religious sects, a disci- 
ple of Joe Smith's; among the knowing ones, near home, 
it was shrewdly guessed that I had counterfeited many notes 
on banks, (which at that time did not redeem their genu- 
ine promises;) and many a sage hint was thrown out by 
political journalists respecting the upright character and 
impartiality of the Judges, and the absolute necessity for 
the law to have its course; and to clap the climax, a 
rumor was prevalent, that in case of my acquittal in this 
court, I was to be tried and executed off hand, by a 
mandate from the court of Judge Lynch." 

"Under such circumstances," said he, "the usual form- 
alities in judical proceedings were begun, when my coun- 
cil moved for a change of venue, which, after a polite war 
of words, was granted. In a few days I was transported 
to a distant county, where after remaining in captivity a 
few more months, some new subject had attracted the 
attention of the public; the excitement in my case had 
died away, and the author of my ruin was dead ; when 
a full investigation was had, and I was pronounced 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 61 

innocent, by a jury of my country. But I was complete- 
ly ruined in business and reputation ; property all gone, 
and my friend and council who had defended me, with a 
zeal and ability that ought to immortalize, was yet 
unrewarded for his toil. Never did I know until this 
affair the almost irresistible influence of money ; and never 
did I feel so keenly its want; much less to realize the for- 
lorn situation of a discarded but unoffending individual, 
without a single dollar in his pocket, and without a friend 
to help in distress. I soon however resolved that as I had 
got the name, I would also have the game, and stifled the 
misgivings of conscience by obeying the laws of stern and 
undeserved" necessity. I therefore retired i7i cog. to a dis- 
tant city, and not having lost the use of my pen, I drove 
the gray goose quill in a new branch of business : perpe- 
trated a forgery for the first time, and with a few thousand 
dollars, thus obtained, decamped, and made good my escape 
to Texas." 

In introducing to the reader the fourteen foregoing char- 
acters I desire to be distinctly understood, that I experi- 
ence no sort of gratification in dwelling upon the crimes, 
folly or misfortunes of my fellow men : but deeply regret 
that as a faithful chronicler of the times, facts do not war- 
rant me in remaining silent on subjects of such transcend- 
ant importance ; but 1 would feel much pleased if I could 
be fortified in truth while exhibiting a bright, cheering pic- 
lure of frail humanity ; such a one as would gladden the 
hearts of Philanthropists and Christains, who always feel 
a lively interest in the career and fate of mankind in 
whatever clime their lots may be cast. It is consistent 
with a principle in our conformation that we should rejoice 
in the improvement of our species, and sorrow for the evil 
that befalls them ; and dating, as Americans justly do, a 



G2 IllS'l'OEY OF 'I'EXAS. 

new era in the hist«)ry of man from the 4th of July, 1776, 
it would be highly useful if on each returning anniversary 
of a nation's birth, we carefully examined the progress 
we have made in knowledge, that is practically benelical, 
while we rejoice for the real and not the immaginary good^ 
and reflect on the positive advantages obtained, and those 
which it is our duty farther to acquire. 

Each 4th of July, would then stand as a tide mark in 
the flood of time, by whicli to ascertain the advance in 
liuman intellect; by which to note the rise and fall of each 
successive error, the discovery of each important truth, 
f )r the gradual m.elioration in our public institutions, social 
arrangements, and above all, in our moral feelings; and 
the true patriot will not fail to ponder well over the defects 
ia our moral training, and existing evils in the legislative, 
executive and judicial departments of the government; 
and if possible, to devise some method of guarding against 
abuses, and remedying such fundamental defects as have 
escaped the segacity of our predecessors, or wliich the 
progress of events are daily bringing to view. 

He will not fold his arms and dream over the acliievc- 
ment of his ancestors, but will remember that they have 
only laid the corner stone of an edifice which it is a sacred 
and resnonsible duty of the present and succeeding gen- 
eration s to complete. 

May the true friends of freedom rise in their misht, 
And witli weapons of reason bold march to the fight ; 
May they encounter the foe with undaunted hands, 
'Till vice and oppression is banished the la-ads. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. C5 



CHAPTER \ 



Give u3 good voyage, gentle stream— we stun not 
Thy sober ear with sounds of revelry ; 
Wake not the slumbering echoes of thy banks, 
With sound of flute and horn :— we do but seek, 
On the broad pathway of thy swelling bosom, 
To glide in silent safety. 

TTie double bridal. 

Brassos, — This river, like the Rio Grande, empties ab- 
ruptly into the Gulf, having, probably, at some remote 
I>eriod, been turned from its natural channel which enter- 
ed West Bay. A bar at the mouth of this river prevents 
\essels drawing more than five feet en.tering; but above 
there is a greater depth, and Steam Boats ply as high as 
Richmond, a distance of seventy miles-, and by removing 
some obstructions, it may be made navigable to Wash- 
ington, 150 miles from its confluence with the Gulf of 
Mexico. 

It is traced into the mountain region, and on the upper 
waters there are a few sites which may serve for manu- 
facturing purposes; an,d the bold mountain torrents durinty 
the rain,y season swell the river rapidly, wheu it, becomes. 
grandly turbulent, thea. gradually assuming a milder aspect, 
its anger disappears, leaving the unruflled bosom of the 
water as quiet as a lamb; and reflecting the polish of a 
mirror. The name is significant of its character. Ria 
Brassos in the Spanish language is synonymous with th* 



64 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

arm of God — serene and benevolent in repose — mighty 
and terrible in wrath. « 

I^ear the mouth of the Brassos is situated the villages 
of Velasco on the east, and Quintina on the west bank; 
both of which are pleasant locations for a summer re- 
sidence, being daily fanned by the wholesome breezes 
of the sea. These are as yet of small importance in point 
of trade; but when the river shall have been connected 
with West Bay, and through that channel, with Galves- 
ton, which a canal of four miles will effect, both of these 
towns may command a considerable trade. 

Brassoria. — This is a county town on the west bank of 
the river, twenty-five miles above Quintinia, and it is at 
this time one of the most important towns in point of 
trade in the country — situated in a fine cotton country that 
is well cultivated. 

Columbia^ is a small village 1 2 miles above Brassoria, 
remarkable for nothing except a house in which the first 
Texan congress held its session. 

Richmond, — This town is situated on the west bank of 
the river, 32 miles above Columbia. The site is handsome, 
but the traffic of the inhabitants is inconsiderable. There 
is, however, a prospect of improvement, and the inhabit- 
ants merit success ; some few of whom have already been 
remarkably fortunate in matrimonial engagements so far 
as wealth is good fortune; and among these, a namesake 
of mine, the first and last that I have ever seen bearing 
the name, whose genealogy could not be traced to a more 
tangible source than Caroline County in Virginia. At 
this town I saw the only mail stage in Texas, which on 
examination proved to be an open waggon drawn by two 
horses, which if belonging to a person possessed of human- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 65 

ity would have been relieved from labor, and recruited in 
flesh, or turned out and abandoned to the buzzards. 

San Felipe De Austin. — This fair famed town is situated 
oa the w^est bank of the Brassos, 38 miles above Richmond, 
rendered famous on acconnt of the transactions of the first 
consultation of delegates in Texas, who deliberated here; 
and not less celebrated in remembrance of a mixture of 
alarm and patriotic feeling that burst forth here on the 
reported approach of the Mexican army, in 1836, when 
the inhabitants fired the town and precipitately fled. It 
has since remained a solitude, until, Phoenix like, there are 
now symptoms that it wnll speedily rise from its ashes. 

Washington. — Who would have conjectured, that a 
Virginia youth, that was three quarters of a century ago 
running the surveyor's chain, and planting his Jacobstaff' 
in the mountain passes of the blue ridge, and sleeping at 
night on the earth, enveloped in a single blanket, was des- 
tined to become the tutelar deity of a town on the Brassos 
river in Texas, as well as the father of an empire of twen- 
ty six flourishing states, in 1839? Yet, however, unex- 
pected, 'tis true, and the town of Washington on the west 
bank of the Brassos is a promising village, having alreadv 
assumed a bold position in histoiy, being the first seat of 
the Texan Government, and gave birth to the declaration 
of Independence, and the Constitution of the country; and 
whatever may be said of the conduct of the President and 
other officers who fled from here, first to Harrisburg, and 
thence to Galveston, to avoid an introduction to his Mexi- 
can highness. General Santa Anna, the circumstance can 
reflect no discredit to the town of Washington or its pres- 
ent inhabitants, who number about 500, who are mostly 
9 



ee HISTORY of texas. 

natives of the United States, and are m the main an en- 
terprising people. 

I iiad the pleasure of meeting here a representative from 
seventeen of the ditlerent states of the Union, and among 
them a musical little yankce from the land of steady habits, 
who, when I asked him how he was pleased with the coun- 
try, replied substantially as follows: 

I have wandered on through many a clime, 

Where flowers of beauty grew; 

"Where all was blissful to the heart, 

And lovely to the view : 

I have seen them in their twilight pride, 

And in the dress of morn, ^■r 

But none appeared so sweet to me. 

As the spot where 1 was born. 

Sim. 

Nashville and Tenoxiiclan are small villages recently 
founded above Washington in a section of country that is 
well watered and favourable to health, and of considera- 
ble fertility, and emigrants can locate in this section on the 
lands of the government, where, by the rearing of stock, 
and the increase that may be expected in the value of real 
estate, a handsome property may, by economical and indus- 
trious habits, be accumulated in a few years. 

The Brassos bottoms throughout, are perhaps inferior to 
::^o soil on the globe: composed of a dark mould of sever- 
al feet in depth, resting on a substratum of clay on the up- 
per waters, and below Richmond on a bed of shells. — 
There is, however, in the surrounding country much land 
that is sterile and much better adapted to grazing than 
cultivation. Cotton and sugar are ihe staple commodities 
of this region, but corn and most culinary vegetables 
thrive well. 

The first American settlement in Texas, was made on 
this river, under the auspices Of Stephen F. Austin, a native 



IlISTOKY CF lEXAS, C7 

of Connecticut, and from tiie germ of a nation, then plann- 
ed, has grown the present population; a population that 
is gradually emerging into manhood, and among \vhon:i, if 
wise councils prevail, the materials are fast accumulating 
that will rear a structure of government uniting the clas- 
sic columns of the ancients with the interior decorations 
which time and experience will continue to suggest. 

In travelling in the vicinity of the Brasses, I was pleas- 
ed w^ith the neatness displayed in the structure of houses, 
fences, and the laying out of the gardens and grounds, ex- 
hibiting all the appearances of comfort and opulence that 
meet the eye among the southern planters in the United 
States, and uniting those marks of system and taste that 
distinguish the farmers in New England: but the farms 
are in better cultivation here than in any other portion 
of Texas, and the society will compare handsomely witii 
that of the southern United States generally, a remark that 
cannot apply to any other section of Texas except the 
country of the red lands, yet to be described. 

Throughout the whole extent of the country, surrounding 
the Brassos, until ascending to the vicinity of Washington, 
there is an evident scarcity of timber and of wholesome 
water; the better class of planters invariably collect and 
preserve rain in cisterns, which is more pleasant to the 
taste than any other water to be there obtained; and if 
climate does, as is generally believed, exercise much in- 
fluence over the bodily and mental powers, there arc 
many parts of Texas more desirable than any. of the 
Brassos country below Washington. 

In travelling east from the Brassos, the next wa';er course 
is Buffalo Bayou, a most singular inlet, having no current 
and is brackish 100 miles from the sea; and although there 
is a sufficient depth of water to admit of Boats of two 
Ivandred ton burden, yet it is so narrow that their speed is 



G8 HISTORY OF TEXAS 

much impeded by the overhanging timber on both sides -, 
they however manage to ascend to Houston, and in turn- 
ing to descend have to avail themselves of a fork in the 
Bayou. While the stern of the Boat is with difficulty 
propelled into the east branch, the bow^ is gradually brought 
to, and as if conscious of having escaped a dilemma, 
proudly dashes down the stream. 

The soil in the vicinity of this stream, the whole dis- 
tance from its junction with the San Jacinto river to 
Houston, is light and sandy, but favorable to the culture of 
sweet potatoes, melons, &c., and these kinds of productions 
are in great demand, and are sold at enormous high prices. 
The timber consists mostly of pine, cedar, gum and elm. 

Harrisburg^ Buffalo, and Houston, are towns which 
are located on this Bayou, the last mentioned of which, 
the only place worthy of notice, Harrisburg having been 
burned during the revolution, and Buffalo is not yet built. 

Houston is the present (1839)* seat of government, and 
contains 382 houses, and a population that would be diffi- 
cult to number on account of the constant coming and 
going that is every day witnessed. They may emphatically 
be termed a roving people, and do not seem to heed the whole 
advice of one of the burgers w'hich reads near like the 
following: 

Rove not from pole iopole—Vae man lives here 

Whose razor's only equall'd by his beer; * 

And where in either sense the cockney -put 

May if he pleases, get counfoundeJ cut. 

On the sign of an ale home kept by a Barber 

Perhaps about 3,000 people are to be found at Houston, 
generally, and among them are not exceeding 40 females. 
Here may be daily seen parties of traders arriving and de- 
parting, composed too, of every variety of colour, " from 

♦Removed to Austin in the fall of 1S39. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. ^9 

snowy white to sooty,'' and dressed in every variety of 
fashion, excepting the savage Bowie-knife, which as if 
by common consent, was a necessary appendage to all. 

Again, the squads of hmd speculators are sprinked about 
the streets and domiciled in the tap rooms, and ever and 
anon, the wily politician will give you a friendly 
grip, and invite you to take a glass, with a knowing squint, 
as much as to say, you are mine. Emigrants from every 
where crowd the streets in whole regiments, and if a man 
had come from the moon, fancy would lead us to suppose 
he might have some chance of meeting an old acquaintance, 
particularly during the sessions of Congresp, when if a 
Wall Street Broker was suddenly dropped down in the 
streets of Houston, he would scarcely realize the change, 
were his ears not assailed with unfamiliar sounds. Some 
men are there looking about and thinking of a permanent 
settlement before removing their families, and some who 
have deserted wife and children from less worthy motives; 
and there are many who when setting out for Texas had 
no time to think of any person but themselves. 

This being the grand focus of the republic, I have thought 
that a particular notice of Houston and its inhabitants 
might prove both useful and interesting; useful in many 
ways, particularly to emigrants. Where the public records 
are kept, where the public officers reside, and where all 
land titles must be perfected, and where even after the 
seat of government shall have been removed, almost every 
man of business in the country will in progress of af- 
fairs have transactions of some sort. 

Interesting if for no other reason than the fact of its 
being the resort of nine out of ten of those who ai'e now, 
or will hereafter settle in the country, and from this grand 
reservoir, streams of turbulent or placid water are flowing 
in eveiy direction and fertilizing or defacing the natural 



70 HISrORY O^ TIXAS. 

beauty ot the fair plains of Texas; and while it is admit- 
ted that the society is decidedly worse than is elsewhere 
to be found, the materials of which it is composed pene- 
ti-ating as they do, into every part of the Republic, must 
necessarily spread the influence of amiable qualities or vi- 
cious propensities in proportion to their natural strength 
and the circumstances that may hereafter surround them. 

Pick-pockets and every description of bad ^characters 
abound here and are in promiscuous confusion mingled 
with the virtuous part of the community; and so much ii 
this the case, that a man can scarcely divine when or 
where he is safe from their depredations. The police of the 
City is entirely worthless, and the unfortunate wight who 
sufters by the light fingered gentry must find out the rogue 
as best as he can, and then take the law into his own 
Jiands or sufter in silence ; a part which I not only learn- 
ed by daily occurrences, but also by bitter experience, 
my own trunk having been abstracted from my Hotel, 
and rifled of its most valuable contents, on the second 
night after my arrival in the City* 

I subsequently without any aid from the civil authori- 
ties arrested two men who I supposed participated in the 
theft; but certain mysterious circumstances induced me 
to believe that they were mere tools in the hands of others, 
and being unable to probe the whole affair and punish the 
principals I declined appearing against their instruments. 
This larceny was committed at the Eagle Tavern, now 
•mlled the Lamar House, the property of Charles Cham- 
berlain, and through all the countries, and among the great 
variety of people among whom I have been accustomed 
:o move, this was the first depredation of the kind I have 
oeen made to feel, and with the exception of a few dol- 
lars picked from my pocket at two different times after, 
wards, and a bowie knife out of my bosom when sleep- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. ?! 

ing, the lust time I have been subjected to these operations; 
and I therefore aui bound to believe that adepts are among 
them, and that New York or any where else is but halt" 
initiated. 

Many ludicrous alTairs transpired during my re3iden:',e 
at the seat of government ; a narrative of a few of which 
will serve to convey to the reader a tolerably definite 
idea of the fashions of the place, and particularly their 
capacity to enforce order and their modes of adminis- 
tering justice. 

The president had been some time absent from the city, 
and preparations were made for a welcome reception by 
getting up a grand spree, which was echoed about the 
tap rooms in articulations much resembling the following. 

Here are we met, we merry boys, 
And merry boys I know are we 
As ev?r tasted Bacthus' joys, 
Or kicked up jolly rig or spree! 

The president entered the town escorted by the Milam 
guards, whose white pantaloons were in strange contrast 
with the torrents of rain descending, and the half leg deep 
mud in the streets, which at a short distance gave eacii 
man the appearance of a pair of black boots drawn over 
his inexpressibles, and the illusion might have bean com- 
plete had not a shoe been occasionally lost in the mud, 
which caused the heroes to halt until the bare-foot man 
could recover his understanding. Arrived at the white 
house, the door was thrown open, the guards entered, and 
stacked theirjarms in the porch, between a brace of which 
the president entered followed by as many thirsty and 
hungry beings as was ever congregated in the most refin- 
ed society. 

Here followed the formality of receiving the guests 
who hurriedly shook the hero of San Jacinto by the hand, 



72 HISTORY OF TEXAS. > 

flattered his vanity by obsequious bows and fulsome eulo- 
gies, and turned into the next room to enjoy his wine and 
bacon. He had entered his appearance at 1 o'clock P. 
M., and in two hours there was not less than one thousand 
men hall seas over at his expense. 

For two days this revelry was kept up, amid the beat- 
m'^oi' drums, firing of guns, cutting of throats and a con- 
fusion of tongues, and on the second night the guards es- 
corted the President to the Theatre, and at the earnest 

solicitation of Colonel I was induced to help 

him gallant a pair of ladies to witness the performance 
of Belviderc. 

The orchestra was discoursing sweet sounds when a 
peal of three cheers proclaimed the arrival of the Presi- 
dent and suit which was speedily followed by a hissing, 
the discharge of pistols, the glistening of Bowie-knives, 
while many a knight proclaimed his prowess by a volley 
of profanity, some leveled at the President, some at the 
Mayor, some at the police ; when at length all seemed ex- 
hausted, the field of battle was examined and tliree reported 

wounded ; killed none. By this time the Colonel 

had dealt rather freely with the jolly god, and in attempt- 
ing to get out, fell down stairs and I was compelled to 
escort to their homes two ladies, an occurrence that has 
never happened before or since in the City of Houston. 

However unfortunate the termination of this splendid 
affair to certain individuals, it is believed to have replen 
ished the pockets of others whose motto was probably 
something after tliis fashion. 

Together join to beat this ample iieW, 
Try what the open what the f.overed yield ; 
Try fashions wallis in search of beauty's prize. 
Drub tlie police and linock out bully's eyes ; 
Shake fortune's box, shoot rich men if you can, 
And keep up the game- 
Aye— damme, that's the plan ! 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 73 

Early one morning it was rumored that a duel was to 
come off between two knights of the toddy stick, and 
the ground selected was in an open prairie in sight of the 
Capitol, and within 50 yards of the limits of the City. — 
The news flew like lightning, and soon crowds of new- 
ly awakened slumberers were seen wending their way to 
the seat of war, apparently much pleased at an opportuni- 
ty of witnessing the sport. 

Some gentlemen who felt disgusted at such ridiculous 
farces cooperated with what few worthy citizens could be 
found, and waited in a body on the Mayor with a request 
that he would interpose his authority and prevent the bat- 
tle. His honor replied that it was out of his power, and 
were it otherwise he would not act in the premises; but 
advised them to call on one of the justices of the peace, 
who being county officers, it was supposed might feel it 
their duty to officiate. It however turned out that one 
cf their worships was on the battle field enjoying the sport 
and the other after being awakened, stated that on the 
evening previous the Mayor had called on him, when an 
understanding had taken place that nothing should be done 
by either of them, and that the friends of the Mayor 
should not beset him about this affiur, inasmuch as the 
election was approaching, and any thing on their part but 
silence would operate to the prejudice of his honour and 
certainly eftect his defeat if it did not subject him and his 
associates to a coat of tar and feathers. The parties 
therefore stood up and shot at each other, and one of 
them received a ball in the hip that will render him a crip- 
ple for life; and he now hops about the streets and lanes 
of Houston and handles the toddy stick with as much 
nonchalance as though he was the hero of many a well 
taught field. 

10 



74 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

A Mrs. 5 a most notorious character, and 

keeper of a boarding house near the theatre, had purloin- 
ed a trunk, the property of Doct. B , and tc 

recover the same, and punisli the culprit, he had recourse 
to the civil authorities, who issued a warrant and placed il 

in the hands of Mc , a city constable, who 

repaired to her quarters, from which he was speedil) 
ejected. This limb of the law then sought the aid of his 
comrades, and I happened to be in sight when the worthy 
posse arrived at the scene of action. The Madam 
seemed to have committed to memory the whole vocabulary 
of Billingsgate, which she in no measured terms dealt out ; 
called to her aid a band of renegades which she retains 
in her service, and emphatically declared that her house 
should inherit the fame of Goliad if the invading army 
did not immediately beat a retreat. The official band of 
heroes soon took the hint, and it was amusing to see some 
half dozen lusty constables with the rear brought up by 
Doct. B. , scampering across the common. 

This whole occurrence served to impress my mind with 
unpleasant feelings. The utter impotency of the law:< 
were established, and the rights of one of my countrymen, 
a citizen of the U. States, was trampled on by a lawless 
banditti, and he compelled to pocket the insult and leav^ 
his property at their mercy. 

The affair however afforded much merriment about town 
and a gentleman of my acquaintance who was preparing 
to settle permanently in Houston, unwilling to believe that 
the City authorities would tolerate repeated acts of fraud 
and robbery, resorted to a stratagem to test their moral 
honesty, by giving this female freebooter an opportunitv 
of gratifying her natural propensity. 

The bait took, and a trunk containing, as she supposed. 
a handsome sum of money and other valuables was lorn 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 75 

olF and stored in her office of deposit, from where it was 
removed by the aid of the sheriff of the county, who arrest- 
ed this woman* and her accomplices, and by his conni- 
vance the affair was investigated at her own domicile, she 
being rich and there not being more than forty women 
among some tliousand of men composing the population 
of Houston. 



" Maids! come maids, to my dressing bower, 
And deck my nut brown hair; 
Where'er ye laid a plait before 
Lay now— me ten times more." 



Tlie robbery was conclusively proven — the trunk found 
m her possession, but the spectators were numerous, and 
were occasionally regaled Avith delicious refreshments, 
and the prosecutor having during a kind of recess left the 
house for a short time was not a little surprised on his 
return to find the gates closed and the whole party 
imprisoned in the castle, and defended by no small garri- 
son. A siege under such circumstances was useless, 
and the officers and spectators were finally liberated on 
condition of immediate departure and a noUi prosiqui ! '. 

The gentleman being now convinced respecting the 
kind of law prevalent in Houston, obtained possession 
of his trunk in his OM'n way, but from which, he had 
before the theft, been wise enough to remove the princi- 
pal value ; a circumstance wholly unknown to any person 
-but himself and a few confidential friends. 

The discharge of the prisoners under all the circum- 
stances exhibited a melancholy picture of a government 
of law, and fui-nished abundant evidence of the want of 
moral courage in the magistrate. The proprty was left 



* Note.— This woman has since beer convicted of forgery and sentenced to ba 
hanged— but pardoned by the E.xecutive. 



76 HISTORY CF TEXAS. 

6y yum in the possession of the culprits when beHeving, as 
the court certainly did, that the stolen trunk contained 
every dollar in money, and every article of clothing, pos- 
sessed by the prosecutor, and she and her myrmidons thus 
tacitly encouraged to the commission of new crimes. 

The prosecutor is not chargeable with any evil intent, 
or with making a single statement that was not strictly 
true — he was willing to run some risk, and the value of 
his trunk and contents were no doubt correctly and con- 
scientiously estimated, but a few hundred dollars was 
doubtless much below the supposed value when stolen. 

Bad as is this picture of society, it must be acknow- 
ledged that there are many other localities on the contin- 
ent of America where interested and bad passions have 
their influence, and much injustice is certainly practised : 
mdeed when it is remembered that the population of Hous- 
ton is in a great measure composed of unfortunate and 
reckless characters who have hastily congregated, it is 
perhaps more to be wondered that tilings are not worse, 
than any surprise felt at wdiat is every day to be seen. 
No man, certainly, of common understanding, would ever 
dream of finding in so newly settled country, and among 
sucli a heterogeneous mass, that high tone of moral feel- 
ing, or that respect and deference paid to the laws, 
or those clothed with authority, as ought, and generally 
does, exist in older communities ; and however desirous 
may be many worthy individuals to introduce wholesome 
reforms, they cannot as yet exercise much Influence, and 
the unfortunate disappointed and degenerate spend their 
time in folly, dissipation and vice without any salutary 
restraints. 

The fact is, these people are not happy, and perhaps 
are more to be pitied than b'amed. Many of them have 
been unsuccessful in business elsewhere, and have been 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 7? 

drawn into Texas by the protection their laws promise 
from the collection of foreign debts, and by reading exag- 
gerated accomits of the country, have supposed that by 
some sort of off hand speculation, a fortune might be accu- 
mulated at once. Ninety-nine out of a hundred are disajv 
pointed in this. 

Many again who have promised themselves offices of 
honor and profit, and perhaps spent nearly their whole 
substance in getting to the country, find when it is too 
late, that such offices do not go begging in Texas more 
than elsewhere, and that there, as well as from whence 
they came, many noisy partisans are to be provided for, 
embracing every grade from the highest functionary down 
to the street scavengers ; and that there are more candid^ 
ates than places, to say nothing of the very worst of char- 
acters who have found in Texas the last asylum left for 
them upon earth. 

Under such circumstances, these people are far less cen- 
surable for their irregularities and disorders than the inhabit- 
ants of older and differently situated countries, where mob 
law is frequently the order of the day; and by people too, 
who have not been subjected to the misfortunes, hardship 
and privations which many of the people of Texas have, 
who are now denied many of the blessings which are else- 
v/here enjoyed. 

In the next chapter the attention of the reader will be 
called to a more pleasing theme, and be made acquainted 
with the brighter side of the picture of Texas generally, 
and the city of Houston in particular; its rapid growth, 
future prospects, and the great probability that in a few 
years the condition of the inhabitants will be much im- 
proved. 

Thv> climate, however, in this part of Texas is decidedly 
unfriend! v~ to healtl, : qui e as much so as New Orleans. 



78 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Musquetoes and other insects annoy the over-heated emi- 
grants by day and by night; and there is but a single 
spring of water yet discovered any where in the vicinity; 
and from that a supply cannot be obtained for a much 
larger number of inhabitants. The morning sun beams 
down with a scorching and sickly heat; and, 

From mountain dell or slreain, 
Not a fleeting zephyr springs ; 
Fearful lest the noontide beam 
Scorch its soft, its silken win£fi. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 7^ 



CHAPTER VI. 



The city of Houston has grown to its present size with 
astonishing rapidity. Early in 1836, a gentleman (J. K 
Allen) from Western New- York purchased here one 
league of land (4 miles square) for about ,f 400, which was 
then considered a fair price. With the adroitness peculiar 
to Northern men, no sooner had the battle of San Jacinto 
been fought and won, and the fame of the Texan Com- 
mander was spreading abroad, than the city of Houston 
was founded on a magnificent scale — the vanity of the 
successful conqueror was appealed to, many lots were 
granted to those who would immediately build on them; 
a splendid map of the city was carried on the wings of 
the wind to djstant places to catch in time the greedy 
speculator and allure the uninitiated; and in a few brief 
months the bait had been successfully offered to a sufficient 
majority of the members of Congress. The seat of Gov- 
ernment wris temporarily located, and in less than three 
short years the solitary grove that skirted Buffalo Bayou, 
and tlie wild grandeur of the rising prairie have given place 
to the swarms of human beings that now prominade by day 
and by night the streets and comm.ons of the city of Hous- 
ton; and Mr. Allen who fully availed himself of the advan- 
tages of embarking others in the same boat; or in other 
words, in the same enterprise, and M'ho misfortune or 



80 HISTORY OF TEXAS 

something worse, had driven to Texas, lived just long 
enough to see his city lots commanding prices equal to 
any city lots in America; and was beginning to enjoy the 
blessing of a fortune, when his earthly career was stop- 
ped, and he was suddenly called to the bar of his God. 

There is something deeply impressive in the short history 
of this man, although, perhaps, no more than a repetition 
of frequent oc(;urrences which emphatically proclaim the 
mutability of all earthly possessions. 1 yet will remem 
ber that this demise and the circumstances of much of his 
life, as detailed to me on the spot, made an impression on 
iny mind which will not soon be efiaced ; and the following 
lines, which he is supposed to have addressed on his death 
bed to his wife, whatever may have been his faults, cer- 
tainly indicate any thing but an unfeeling heart. 

Yes lady— you will think of me, 
When I am gone from the afar ; 
And your name a talisman shall be,. 
To me in death, a ruling star. 

I wander now o'er our happy hours, i 

I sigh indeed o'er our hours of grief : 

I griove to leave you— but my Maker calls me, 

And from him we both must seek relief. 

The public buildings in Houston, consist of a market 
house, an arsenal, court-house, jail, two small theatres, 
the pi'esident's house, and the capitol or state house. Thi.s 
last \i D. neat two story frame building, with a portico in 
front, and two wings in the rear; which are divided into 
; partments sufficient for the public officers ; to the occu- 
pants of which I would here beg leave to renew my thanks 
for important documents obtained by their courtesy. The 
city contains twelve stores of assorted merchandise, six 
mecnanics' shops, viz: one gun-smith one wheel-right, one 
silver-smith, one shoe and boot maker, and two black- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 81 

smiths ; there are also quite a number of carpenters, whose 
work is in great demand, and last, forty-seven places for 
selling intoxicating drinks, most of which are gaming 
dens. The City Hotel, Milam Hotel and Star Tavern, 1 
believe are exceptions, unless for select parties. No 
wonder that the habits of the people are dissolute. 

The traffic of this place is nevertheless considerable, 
and should a rail-road hereafter be constructed from this 
point to Washington, on the upper Brassos, and another 
to the three forks of the Trinity, the trade of an extensive 
country will centre here, and Houston will continue a 
principal depot for foreign and domestic commodities, and 
Galveston the seaport of the Republic. The proprietors ot 
the tw^o places are much the same, and will of course 
exert their united energies to prevent the trade, they no\T 
command, from passing into other channels ; and also, 
to open new avenues of commerce far into the country 
penetrated by the Brassos and Trinity rivers. Grea^* 
then, as ai-e the natural advantages of other locations, 
Galveston and Houston have taken the start of all of them, 
and the latter, apart from other interests, is a monument 
arising in memory of a popular man which will not be 
abandoned until the present principal proprietors are no 
longer among the living, nor while the star of the capturer 
of Santa Anna is yet in the ascendant. 

South and west of the city, stretching far in the distance, 
is an extensive prairie with here and there a grove of tim- 
ber ; some of the soil rich, some as sterile as the broom sage 
fields in Virginia, and much of it low and marshy ; the poi- 
sonous vapours from whence assail the olfactory nerves 
creating unpleasant sensations, and is inhaled in the lungs, 
depositing there the seeds of disease and death. From 
the north and east an interminable forest of oak, pine, 
11 



82 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

cedar, &:c., approaches the city in a kind of half circle, 
terminating on the south bank of Butlalo Bayou, which both 
above and below winds its serpentine course to every 
point of the compass, until it is finally lost in the San 
Jacinto river. 

About two miles from Houston, within the forest above 
mentioned, is the spring and only supply of pure water, 
which is hauled to the eity and sold to the inhabitants for 
75 cents per barrel of 30 gallons. The discovery of this 
fountain was a singular affair : An old man by the name of 
Beauchamp, who some years ago figured in the caves 
and criminal courts in Kentucky, and is a near relative 
of a person of the same name who figured on the heights 
of Frankfort for the murder of Col. Sharp, ultimately 
made good his retreat to Texas, where a short career of 
folly and dissipation reduced him to abject poverty. In 
this situation he fell in with a small band of Bidee Indians 
who encamped at the spring and thus Beauchamp became 
possessed of a secret, important not only to himself but 
also to the inhabitants of the city, who had as yet been 
compelled to use the poisonous water of Buffalo Bayou. 
Beauchamp lost no time in representing to the owner of 
the land that he shortly expected remittances from the 
United States, with which he was desirous to purchase the 
soil whereon he could earn a living and dig him a grave, 
and the kind hearted proprietor was good enough to exe- 
cute a title bond for 50 acres for a fee simple title on 
payment of the purchase money, which was a much larger 
sum than the supposed value of the land. Beauchamp 
was an old fox, and adopted the maxim of Sam Patch 
without delay : "Sotne things can be done as well 
as others," said he, and now 1 will have in imita- 
tion of my friend Allen, the City of Beauchampville. Ac- 
cordingly, Beauchampville was forthwith laid out ; the 



HISTORY CF TEXAS. 83 

spring handsomely ornamented; lots sold by dozens, and 
when I last visited this place, the Kentuckian had paid for 
his land and had a pocket full of money, which he was 
circulating at no slow rate, while he was giving full scope 
to a long acquired habit, by indulging in large potations 
and renewal of his acquaintance with John Barley Corn, 
his early chum. Canvass tents, bush tents, board houses, 
carts, waggons, and horses, negroes, white men, women and 
children, were promiscuously scattered from Houston to 
the spring, and two straight rows of houses were built in 
the pine forest, before yet the timber had been cut from 
the main street — Beauchamp street. 

This property, though not acquired by a virtuous course 
of industry and economy, were it now in prudent hands, 
would make a fortune; but swarms of sharpers beset the 
proprietor, eat, drink and win out his substance; and 
while the discovery of the spring is a public blessing, such 
js the complextion of much of the society around it, and 
euch perhaps the recollections of a misspent life, that he 
who brought it to view, like most other evil doers, is a mis- 
erable being; is dissipating the proceeds nearly as fast as 
received, and will at last sink into an unhonoured grave, 
if he does not die a beggar or something infinitely worse. 
At Houston, I met with John W. Niles, a personage 
with whom it was my misfortune some years ago to become 
acquainted in Baltimore, where he done me every possible 
injury within the compass of his power; but I out liver 
him and he eventually failed and decamped for Texas 
On encountering Mr. Niles there, I dropped him a note 
requesting to be informed whether we were to be at peace 
or war, assuring him that however wrong his former conducf 
had been, I had already received ample revenge, and 
it only remained for him to frankly avow his present 
feelings and the light in which I was in future to view him. 



84 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

To this note I soon received a most flattering answer, 
commencing with, "Respected Sir,'' and ending with 
an expressed wish for all former differences to be forgot- 
ten, and a desire to meet me as a friend, a pretence more hy- 
pocritical perhaps than ever the son of so respectable and 
worthy a parent as Hezekiah Niles* was guilty of. He 
also visited me at the Eagle Tavern on the same day, and 
while assuming the guise of a friend, which was worn on 
all future occasions in my presence, he yet never so far 
deceived me as he expected; and indeed, his name is only 
mentioned in this work for the purpose of more fully ex- 
plaining some subsequent occurrences, as well as advise 
caution to those unskilled in the arts of old offenders. In 
fact this man despairing of success against me in any open 
and manly attack, sought to gratify the promptings of 
his base and malignant heart by stratagems, and he is 
welcome to the fruits of his labors, having only succeeded 
in exciting some prejudice in the minds of a few of the in- 
habitants of Baltimore and Houston, all of whom will pro- 
pably in due time properly estimate his character as well as 
mine. 

I had business in the City which could not immedi- 
ately be brought to a close, but such as did not fully oc- 
cupy my time, and wishing to leaiii more particularly the 
character of those in authority as well as to continue my 
former habits of activity, 1 accepted from the Mayor an 
apponitment, the nature and result of which will be sulli- 
ciently understood by a perusual of the following docu- 
ments which were written on the spot, and may serve to 
illustrate their mode of passing ordinances and dispensing 
justice, as well as to convey to the reader, a timely knowl- 
edge of a portion of the population which may jn'ove use- 

♦Fomier EJiicr of NilPS Rpcrisier. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 85 

ful to those who, like myself, may find themselves in the 
City of Houston without so disinterested a guide. 

Houston, September 24, 1838. 

Know all men by these presents, that , 

is duly authorized to act in the capacity of Police Officer 
in this city. 

(Signed) Francis Moore, Jr., Mayor, 

About the same time, there was one of the heroes of 
San Jacinto, an ex-member of Congress, and some others 
attached to the Police, and I was encouraged to hope that 
a reformation could be effected. This illusion was how- 
ever soon dispelled, and after witnessing the total unworth- 
iness of the whole tribe, from the Mayor down to his pet- 
ty constables, my last attempt to awaken them to a 
sense of duty was embodied in the following memorial, 
and handed into the Mayor's office. It is proper here to 
remark that the duty of a Police officer- is somewhat dif- 
ferent in Houston from the same service elsewhere ; other- 
wise there are expressions and suggestions in the follow- 
ing communication which would have been beyond my 
appropriate sphere. 

Houston, Oct. 25, 1838. 
To the Honorable Mayor and Board of Aldermen : 

Your memorialist begs respectfully to represent, that m 
accepting the appointment of Police officer of this City, 
he was not unaware that the situation involved a high de- 
gree of responsibility ; and while feeling its proper weight 
he entered upon the discharge of his duties with a deter- 
mination to perform them with an eye single to the pub- 
lic good. 

Jn pursuance of such determination I would once more 



86 FIISTORY O:^ TEXAS. 

call the attention of your honorable body to those intoler- 
able nuisances, the numerous grog shops and gaming dens 
in this city, which are spreading a most pernicious influ- 
ence fiir and wide ; the evil effects of which are sufficient- 
ly palpable to be seen by the most casual observer; but 
much as they are seen, their most hideous features are 
screened from the public gaze. 

These are the source of frequent depredations commit 
ted upon the property of others, from the wretch who foi 
a few bits is tempted to allure his vigtim into a sink ot 
iniquity, to the wholesale robberies which are developed 
by the breaking of stores and the abstraction of trunks, etc. 
from Steam Boats and public houses; the purloining of my 
own trunk from a Hotel, and rifling of its most valuable 
contents, on the second night after my arrival here, being 
but one out of many that might be mentioned, but which 
is so generally known that it is deemed unnecessary to 
detail to your honorable body — to say nothing of the im- 
punity with which all order is set at defiance by disturbers 
of the peace, who frequently use bowie knives and other 
savage weapons with such effect, that if murder is not 
committed, the life of the victim is rendered a burden, and 
when such rioters are arrested, seem generally to be dealt 
with in such manner as to secure to the magistrate the 
greatest number of votes, regardless of every other consid- 
eration except alone that which may arise from an instinc- 
tive dread of reckless and intoxicated men. 

It would seem tliat those charged witli legislative and 
executive powers in this city might find some remedy for 
these growing evils; and the oft repeated pretext for the tol- 
oration of such abuses, so far from protecting those who are 
numerous and strong, furnishes the strongest reason for the 
suppression of disorderly houses and making examples of 
some of those who are noioriously profligate and lawless, 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 87 

and have been accustomed to trample upon all authority 
human or divine. 

Surely the paltry sums drawn in the shape of licenses and 
fines from the retailers of intoxicating drinks and tiieir vic- 
tims, should not be weighed against the peace and perma- 
nent prosperity of the community; nor indeed is it easy to 
perceive how an upright man can call an act a crime, 
and treat it as such, wdiich is the natural offspring of those 
poisons that he has on the receipt of money made it lawful 
to sell. True it is, that such practices originated else- 
where, and have only been adopted here : but it should be 
the pride as it is the duty, of officers of this new Repub- 
lic to discountenance every thing that experience has 
proved of pernicious tendency, and however much we 
may all love and venerate our native country, it is not 
the part of wisdom or patriotism, to blindly follow in 
the footsteps of others without an attempt to keep pace 
with the intelligence of the age. 

Among the causes that deprave the heart, none are per- 
haps more powerful than the contagion diffused by bad 
examples, and heightened by associates with those of loose 
principles and dissolute morals, when the most wicked 
and hardened take the lead, while the rest follow, making 
proficiency in proportion to the weakness of their minds 
and strength of their passions, until at length fortune is 
squandered, health is broken, and afflicted parents and 
friends sent mourning to the dust. 

The undersigned is in possession of abundant evidence 
to convince the most sceptical that this is a grand rendez- 
vous for abandoned characters from the four quai'ters 
of the globe, and that scarcely a boat arrives that does not 
bear to your shores some of this stamp, who readily find 
fi-iends and confederates in the dram shops here, and 
whose united villainy is brought to bear upon your most 



88 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

M'orthy settlers and that class of emigrants who under 
more favorable circumstances would become valuable citi 
I'.ens. But I deem it improper to detail the devices resort 
ed to by these vultures to ensnare the unwary, or to at 
tempt to describe the destitution and misery they pro- 
duce, but desire to impress your honorable body with the 
great importance a speedy modification of the licence la\y, 
believing its present provisions to be pregnant with a mul- 
titude of evils. 

It has been said that no man can love his country or his 
species who lives in the habitual violation of morality, or 
countenances the same in others; but while I am bound to 
admit that such hypocritical pretensions are sometimes 
successfully played off, it is most commonly for a brief 
space of time ; and whatever else such gamblers may be 
called, they have no legitimate pretension to the character 
of patriots. True patriotism does not evaporate in an 
empty noise about civil and religious liberty, but in jilace 
of filing in with time serving politicians, remembers that 
the happiness of any people depends upon their wisdom 
and virtue, and that the practice of vicious habits, like 
maladies in the natural body, will eventually reach the 
vitals, producing much pain and a premature death. 

You memorialist deems it his duty to a call your atten- 
tion to the city ordinance which requires bar rooms to be 
closed at 10 o'clock, and respectfully requests that the 
same be either enforced throughout the city, or modified 
or repealed. It is rather too much to expect that a man 
worthy of any trust will swear to execute your laws, and 
then submit to verbal and private orders, which if obeyed 
would perjure him ; and it is highly improper that this or- 
dinance should be carried into efiect in some parts of the 
corporation, and remain a dead letter, so far as favorites 
and partizans are concerned ; thus making invidious dij- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 89 

inctions and inviting the police ofRcers to disregard the 
solemn obligations of an oath. 

Your memorialist will not suppress his feelings of regret 
that there should have been such a want of unity of opin 
ion and concert of action among us ; his i egret, however 
is far above any personal considei'ation, for he has long 
been convinced that the path to promotion here was 
plain, and that he had only to become the supplicanl 
coadjutor of a certain self constituted caste, and wink at 
secret and open violations of la\y and order to enable him 
to enjoy their approving smiles and the fruits of their 
patronage. But well aware as I am, and have been of 
lhis, I was not, nor am I yet prepared for such degradation; 
and I feel a manly pride in thus frankly conveying to your 
honorable body, my fixed and unalterable resolution to 
cease to act in a capacity incompatible from its associa- 
tion with a proper self respect, a proper regard for the 
rights of others; much less to continue a part of a junto 
whose wishes are disclosed in the garb of reward or clothed 
m official menace. 

Your memorialst deems it proper to refresh your memoiy 
touching his acceptance of this appointment. I did not as 
some of you know, intend to sei've long, certainly only 
until such time as I should be in possession of intelligence 
from my family in the United States, for which I am yet 
most anxiously waiting ; but I was not the less willing on 
that account to perform the duties of an officer and citizen, 
than if I had intended to remain in the city, and would 
have felt a pleasure in co-operating until my departure 
with those who were desirous of wholesome reform. But 
unfortunately, experience has already proved that no 
salutary effects can be felt until a radical change shall 
have superseded the policy and views which are enter- 
12 



90 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

tained by those who are now at the head of the city gov. 
ernment. 

I am the more particular in these statements for the 
purpose of furnishing a final answer to the numerous en- 
quires touching my intended stay, as well as to thosi 
whose prying curiosity have discovered that I am taking 
notes of passing events, and the proffers of individuals whose 
intention was to indirectly bribe me to suppress truth, have 
been, and will always be, treated with supreme contempt, 
their contractory professions of friendship upon condition's 
and threats to brand me as a spy in Texas notwithstand- 
ing. Should I after seeing the whole country, believe 
that I can be of any service to those who are turning their 
thoughts towards the verdant plains in this sunny clime, 
I expect to publish the information collected ; and if so, we 
may all obtain a greater notoriety than your honorable 
body expected at the period of my appointment, or per- 
haps desire now. But I will not sing my own praise or 
fill my pages with the portraits of other individuals further 
than is necessary to explain the customs of the country, 
and will endeavor to deal in a more useful commodity than 
many who are connected with the Government in the city 
of Houston. 

It is however, my appropriate business at present to 
deal in articles of the above kind, and I would here sug- 
gest to your honorable body that the strongest bond of civil 
society is to be found in a revei'ence for the laws, and that 
this reverence is only due when by enactments of equal 
operation, and by a proper administration, the guilty, no 
matter who he may be, is detered by the certainty of pun- 
ishment from the violation of the laws, and the good citi- 
zen is taught to repose in security, and is stimulated to 
their observance by a conviction that laws are made to 
protect and not to oppress h'm. 



HISTORY OF TKXAS ai 

When, therefore, those clothed with authority so far neg- 
lect or forget their appropriate duties as to tolerate a 
species of conduct in one part of the community which is 
denied to another, the first and principal purpose of the 
social compact must fail ; and while some of those whom 
fortune has placed in circumstances favorable to the encour- 
agement of good morals, degrade themselves and escape the 
punishment due to their crimes, another and less culpable 
class are visited with the vengeance of authority, thus add- 
ing insult to injury, and trifling with things that ought to be 
held sacred. I have seen enough of this elsewhere ; I have 
seen the laws of my country tortured to screen the powerful 
and oppress the friendless, and although I would gladly 
believe that such monstrous injustice is of rare occurence, 
never while I can raise my voice will I omit on any use- 
ful occasion to resist such corruption, whether it is seen 
in the land of my birth or striking its envenomed roots into 
the luxurant soil of Texas. 

Surely the poor and unfortunate who are thrown into 
this community, and who are seldom able to obtain con- 
stant employment, have more temptations to intemperance 
and its consequent vices ; and are therefore fitter objects of 
mercy than men surrounded with the comforts of life, with 
the road to usefulness and wealth before them, and who 
ought to devote their time to the regular prosecution of 
business, to ameliorating the condition of their less fortunate 
fellow creatures, and the quiet enjoyments of domestic life. 

Deeply impressed with the above truth, I have sedulous- 
ly cherished it, and while it shall always influence my 
actions, I have not encouraged or even countenanced any 
violation of the law further than to treat their misfortunes 
w'ith humanity, and ofler them my friendly advice, never 
desiring to become the tyrant while strutting my brief 
hour upon the stage, robed out in a little brief authority. 



92 HISTORY CF TEXAS. 

I am however, not so vam to as suppose my conduct en- 
tirely free from error; all human efforts are necessarily 
imperfect and I claim nothing more than the reward due 
good intentions, and do believe that feeble as are my abili- 
ties, if we all had had the same view of our duties 
and as scrupulously performed them, the police of the city 
would have been more efficient, and whatever appro- 
brium we might have encountered, the respect and appro- 
bation of the lovers of of justice would have been secured, 
and in any event the satisfaction of knowing the duties 
undertaken, had been faithfully performed. 

Your memorialist begs leave to allude here to a reporl 
that without his concurrence has obtained circulation, and 
which has influenced to my prejudice at least one of your 
honorable body: and I emphatically deny, that I am seeking 
popularity and aspiring to no less honor than the Mayoral- 
ty of this city. Proud as I shall always be to merit the con- 
fidence and esteem of a portion of my fellow citizens, I do 
not act with a view to secure their votes, and least of all, to 
obtain their aid in supplanting the gentleman who presides 
over the deliberations of your honorable body. While so- 
journing among you I have felt desirous to make myself use- 
ful, but have aspired to no office whatever; and not expect- 
ing to fix my abode in this city I have sought no less honor 
than should attatch to the character of an American citizen, 
an honor which I am proud to claim, and one which I will 
not cease here or elsewhere to strive to deserve. 

I am well aware that the task of the magistrate is an ar- 
duous and frequently an unthankful one, but I am also aware 
that no one is compelled to act in such capacity, and 
when he is wanting in sufficient legal acquirements or mor- 
al courage, when he is the political aspirant, and becomes 
the slave of a party to secure their support, and above all 
when he is deterred l)y a lawless banditti from a propor 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. S* 

execution of his trust, the fountains of justice are indeed, 
impure, life — liberty — reputation, and all that men hold 
dear is insecure, and the forms of a court of justice be- 
come a most disgusting mockery. 

In conclusion, your memorialist represents, that he ex- 
pects at some distant day, to l^ecome a permanent resident 
in another section of this country, and requests that this 
document be presei'ved among files of your office; and 
that whether he should return to this city or not, he will 
not cease to feel a lively interest in her future career, and 
hopes to hear of salutary reformation in law and morals. 
No expression of my opinion here, then, is the offspring of 
malignant feeling; but on the contrary, is the result of a soli - 
citude for the welfare of those with whom I have mingled, 
and those of my countrymen and others who are daily 
seeking homes in some part of this infant Republic. With 
these sentiments, which are perfectly sincere, I have the 
honor to surrender into your hands, the authority in which 
you clothed me, and you will o.ccept this as my formal 
resignation. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 



94 HIS'J'ORY OF TEXAS. 



CHAPTER VII 



Mixed is life— and truly so, 
Will: mingled shades of joy and wo ; 
Hope and fear— peace and strife, 
MaUe up the web ol human life. 

While the mystic thread is spinning. 
And the infant's life beginning, 
These are not seen, though close at hand, 
With varied hues to deck the man. 

Passion wild, and follies vain, 
Pleasure soon exchanged for pain. 
Doubt, jealousy, grief and fear, 
Will soon in magic dance appear. 



To contemplate the first crude elements of society 
while gradually coalescing, and eventually expanding into 
a well organized community, is a subject of much inter- 
est, and may not inaptly be compared to man in minature, 
exhibiting all the mixture of evil and innocence which is 
visible in the conduct of that interesting being, a child. 
And there is no doubt, but in many parts of the world, 
where, at the present day, the seminary of learning is 
seen in its classic proportions, and the useful arts and 
sciences are approaching their zenith, that in by-gone 
days wei p to be found such disorganized materials as are 
now proi;isely scattered about the City of Houston ; and 
perhaps among them such a curiosity as Doct. Moore, the 
psesent Hon. Mayor ; and as the reader may hereafter 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 00 

find this fair famed City much improved, and regenerat- 
ed, I will exhibit the present chief Magistrate and knight 
of the pill box, unpolished as he is from nature's quany. 

His ugly face has neither truth or art, 
To please the fancy, or to touch the heart ; 
Dark and unskilful, dismal, but yet mean; 
With anxious bustle may every where be seen : 
Without a trace that's tenderer profound, 
But spreads its cold unmeaning gloom around. 

In statue he is a long slabsided, knock-kneed, six-footer, 
and among other marks of vicissitude in life, sports but one 
arm ; but how this important member was lost, history- 
does not tell ; and all that I can say is to repeat the testi- 
mony of some wise ones, who shrewdly guess that the 
misfortune did not befall his Honorble body on the memora- 
ble field of San Jacinto, he not being there. 

During the intolerable hot weather in the summer of 
1 838, the same Kentucky jeans pants, the same pair of 
Ktitchdowns, the same long and flowing blue green robe, 
and the same redoubtable ancient drab beaver, adorned 
the tall and disproportioned outward man of his Honor ; 
but of the materials that adorned the inner man, I cannot 
so well define. One singular emanation of his brain, how- 
ever, possessed some of the properties of a compound, 
if not an artificial curiosity; and for aught I know, may be 
a fair sample of the components of his mind. 

After the delivery of the foregoing memorial, address- 
ing to his Honor, and board of Aldermen, I of course 
ceased to act in my former official capacity, and on the 
second day following, while passing the street in the com- 
pany of a friend, a very pretty piece of pink paper was 
placed in my hands conveying the unportant intelligence 
that the Author was discharged, and no longer re- 
quired to act as a police oflicer. This paper was of course 
merely glanced at, and thrown aside, and no further no- 



'^^ HISTORY OF TEXAS 

tice intended to be taken of his Honor, or of his communi- 
cation ; but enough was seen to convince me that the Hon. 
Mayor had penned this billet under feelings of much tre- 
pidation, although it bore his signature and seal of office, 
and I knew it to be his hand writing; the phraseology and 
spelling, and the unsteady touches of the pen as compar- 
ed with his usual productions, too plainly betrayed the 
workings of a guilty conscience ; to the operations of 
which I was willing to leave him. 

On my return from a stroll to the spring, Beauchamp 
ville, I was not a little surprised to find a petition numer- 
ously signed, requesting his Hon. to reinstate the Au- 
thor, he being considered, to use their own language, a 
meritoi'ious officer. The fact was, the letter of the Mayor 
had been found by those uninformed of my resignation? 
who took this apparent discharge into their own hands, to 
let the Mayor at once see that he was not the great Mo- 
gul that his robes seemed to indicate, and that I was to 
be reappointed without delay. I however lost no time in 
explaining, and my determination to serve no more, and 
was thus relieved from the unpleasant duty of holding 
further intercourse with his Honor, the Mayor of Hous- 
ton. Should his Honor ever Aijoy the honor of perusing 
this work, he must not suppose that the author considers 
him personally of sufficient importance to devote a thought, 
much less a page, in holding him up to public view ; it is 
only as a being whom a portion of the Texan people have 
clothed with a temporary authority that I am induced to 
write of his Honor at all ; and this for the useful purpose 
of conveying to my readers the present infant state of 
Texas generally, and of the City of Houston in particular, 
as compared to what probably is to be the ultimate desti- 
ny of both. 

Now, however, tho.t we are separated by some thou- 



HISTORY OF TEX.\S. ^, 

sands of miles, I expect to see that talented journal, the 
Houston Telegraph (of which his Honor is Editor) loaded 
with tirades of abuse; but I should consider any praise 
from such a source a deep and lasting disgrace, a degrada- 
tion from which I pray God to forever protect me; and 
in taking leave of Houston and conducting the reader to 
more pleasant locations, I beg leave to proffer my friend- 
ly advice to the honest portion of inhabitants, and in per- 
fect sincerity say that if you wish for substantial prosper- 
ity — if you wish an enviable character among the nations 
of the earth — if you wish for the happiness of your pos- 
terity, or any of the blessings of good government, frown 
into obscurity such men as have "left their country for 
their country's good," and have found an asylum in Tex- 
as. A naturally bad man in the United States or else- 
where, will be a bad man in Texas ; the depraved heai't 
is not to be regenerated by breathing you'" atmosphere, 
nor is it the most favorable spot for reform, where there 
are kindred associations. The only radical cure for this na- 
tional malady is to withhold your confidence from suspi- 
cious characters, until time shall have fixed its unerrinn- 
seal upon the emigrants to your country and maiifullj' re- 
sist all attempts, however disguised, to purchase your votes 
with hollow hearted declarations, or the individual or com- 
bined wealth of those who have proved themselves else- 
where wholly unworthy of public or private confidence. 
The eyes of the world are upon you ; the sagacity of 
men of the present day will discriminate between revolu- 
tions in government and revolutions in morals, and politi- 
cal n:veasures ; and it need excite no surprise, but should 
stimulate to exertion when comparisons are drawn be- 
tween what your country was when united to Mexico 
and what she now is in the character of the Repu ;lic of 
13 



93 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Texas : and while the present private and public relations 
between your countiy and mine are such that your on- 
ward march to glary and fame would be hailed with heart- 
felt rejoicing, in the United States, in the course of hu- 
man* events a different feeling may hereafter exist, and 
in any event the pen of faithful histoilans will record your 
misdeeds as well as to applaud your labors in every lauda- 
ble enterprise. 

There are many emigrating to your country on whom 
misfortune has laid a heavy hand ; who on being trans- 
planted to your fair and luxuriant plains, may reap a re- 
ward for their virtues and patriotism, which has been de- 
nied them elsewhere ; and perhaps the guilty, after feeling 
in their bosoms the pan,gs of rem,orse, will^ if surrounded 
by favorable circumstances, like once innocent lambs.^ 
who in thoughtlessness or for want of experience, Rave 
strayed from the flo^k^ return with gladdened hearts to 
the peaceful paths which are always the reward of a well 
balanced mind. Receive such with a generous humanity ; 
remember that the wan,dering sinner is not to be reclaiiu- 
ed by loading him with obloquy and a repetition of injury, 
but by cultivating the finer feelings of his nature, and ap- 
pealing directly to his interest .and his heart. 

The God of mature has^ with a bouutiful baud, strewn 
tiie elemerits of prosperity around you, and all that is 
now wanting must be supplied by the industry, ingenuity 
and virtue of the inhabitants ; a high ton,e of moral feel 
iiig must be infused into minds that are now perverted ;; the 
quiet habits of the husbandman must supersede tha< 
reckless ebwlition every day to be seen ; the school room 
work shop, and house of devotion, must cover the grouna 
where now stands groggeries and gaming tables •,. men of 
elevated views and proper acquirements must fill your 
offices,, some of which ai'e now disgraced and fail of al! 



IIISTOKY CF lEXAS. m 

the ends of their adoption. Then will your fertile plains 
yield the rich fruits of industry ; your cities teem witfi 
life and business, and your water falls be made subservient 
to the manufacture of the comforts and luxuries of life. 
Then, and not till then, will a dense and intelligent com- 
munity form a living rampart of 'defence, impregnable to 
the assaults of any foe. 

If the New England states owe much of their prosper- 
ity and the morality of their citizens to that system of 
policy which has from the first settlement pervaded the 
country, in founding seminaries of learning and building 
tabernacles for the Lord, the future prosperity of Texas, 
;\s well as some of the southern and western States of the 
1 1nion, must spring from some other source, or a radical 
c hange of policy must supersede the present ; for although 
t!"ve advantages of soil and climate is incomparably supe- 
rior in a large portion of the South and West, yet the tour- 
est in passing to the North must be insensible indeed if 
h(^ does not at once recognize the superior order, equality 
and comfort which meet the eye at every turn. 

The truth is. New England, with her chilling climate;-" 
sterile soil, and all her exploded notions about witchcrafi 
aid her superstitious religious feelings, is yet productive 
of more wealth, intelligence, inventive genius, and sub- 
stantial comfort, than any portion of North America ; and 
if the same causes divested of their useless machinery 
are brought in.to operation about the 42d degree of North 
latitude, in Texas, the most happy results may be realized ; 
and while the sunny South will yield a rich return in sugar 
and cotton to the cultivator, the mountain torrents of the 
North will be whirling a multiplicity of spindles, and the 
most unproductive soil become the abode of communities 
that may hereafter exercise the most salutary in tide nee 
throughout the vast extent of North and South America. 



100 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

During my long sojourn in Texas, I never had the plea- 
sure of entering but one school room to listen to the mu- 
sic of my boyhood and look upon the faces of those who 
are to be future legislators and magistrates, and the mo 
thers of succeeding generations ; or but one church to 
hear the harmonious sounds so familiar to me in the ha]> 
py days of my youth. But although there is but one hotise 
for protestant worship in the whole country at present, 
there is a spirit abroad in some localities that will speedily 
rear others, and even now preaching at the dwellings of 
the inhabitants does occasionally take place, and the disci- 
ples of the Rev. John Wesiey took formal possession of 
the district of Pine Creek in September 1 838, proclaiming 
in loud, if not edifying language, the terrible torments of 
a never ending hell. 

The reader will doubtless recollect that the Catholic is 
the established religion in Mexico, and that much sym- 
pathy was excited some years ago abroad in favor of 
Texas on that account ; previous, however, to the com- 
mencement of hostilities, religious toleration was establish- 
ed in Texas ; a fact that is mentioned here because it is 
not believed to be generally known, and that some of the 
Cathedrals M'hich were formerly thronged with devotees 
are now appropriated to other purposes ; and that in their 
stead the grog shops and gaming dens have fixed their 
abode, and obscene and profane language is every where 
to be heard. 

In thus giving utterance to unpleasant truths, let no one 
suppose that I am influenced by sectarian, national or per- 
sonal enmity : on the contrary, I am no theological en- 
thusiast, I desire the prosperity of Texas and there lives, 
not a man in the country against whom I entertain feel- 
ings of revenge ; but I am proud of the acquaintance and 
friendship of many of her worthy citizens ; and those 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

101 

whose conduct I cannot approve are unwortliy to me of 
personal dislike. The mantle of forgetfulness shall forever 
screen such from my thoughts ; perfectly convinced, as I 
am, that a time is approaching when their acts will receive 
a lightcous award, and that they are accountable to thcii 
Creator and not to me. 

But it is to be hoped that when years have rolled around, 
and there has been effected an entire change in public 
atiairs, better influences will prevail, and that the places 
that are now encumbered w^ith an accumulation of evils 
will be the abode of bettor men, and the location of bet- 
ter institutions ; and I experience a pleasure in knowing 
that there are now many worthy men in Texas who fond- 
ly look forward in anticipation of a happy change, and a 
press of other business has alone prevented them from 
making manly eflbrts to set the ball in motion, thus com- 
mencing a good work, which they well know must be left 
to their successors to complete. 

Such have my best wishes, and should this little vol- 
ume ever find its way west of the Brassos, there are 
many who will recognize the author and his suggestions, 
and they will please to accept anew his sincere thanks 
for the kindness and hospitality with which he was wel- 
comed among them, and particulai'ly the proprietor of a 
certain -N'enerable mansion, and his agreeable and much re- 
spected family, whom I left with regret. 

Here I was most forcibly reminded of those among 
whom I spent my early and hopeful years, before the 
cold realities of this world had damped an ardent tem- 
perament, before I was bereaved and had quaffed the cup 
of sorrow. 

" I saw a hand ynu could not see, 
Which beckoned mc away; 
I heard a voic<^ you could not hear, 
Which told mc not to stay." 



H>2 HISTORY O' TiXAS. 



CHAPTER VUJ. 



San Jacinto. — This celebrated river has its source con- 
tiguous to the three forks of the Trinity, at about equal 
distance from the latter and the Brassos, and after receiv- 
ing the waters of Buffalo Bayou and some minor streams 
mingles with the Ocean through Galveston Bay. New 
Washington, Louisville and Lynchburg are town sites on 
the banks of the San Jacinto; the first mentioned of which 
was formerly a flourishing little place, but being burned in 
the war of 1836, has not been rebuilt, and the two latter 
are only as yet towns in name. The surrounding coun- 
try is not inviting to emigrants; much of it is wet marshes 
and unfit for cultivation. Timber is by no means abundant : 
spring water is scarce and impure, and the plains and 
groves alike teem with annoyances in the shape of mus- 
<|uetoes and other nauseous insects. 

The river is navigable for about 30 miles; and in gliding 
over its bosom on the Steam Boat Correo, I had a view of 
the memorable battle field of San Jacinto, the interesting 
events of which this place was the theatre, will be de- 
tailed towards the close of this work, belonging more pro- 
perly to the history of the revolution. As the spot however 
has occupied much attention, and should fill a conspicuous 
place in Texan history and tradition, a description here 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 103 

wii not be out of place. To the west of the River, about 
one mile below its junction with Buffalo Bayou, is seen, 
an undulating prairie dotted with small groves, under cover 
of one of which Gen. Houston invited an attack to the tune 
of "Come to the bower," and upon a close examination 
the skeletons of the slaughtered Mexicans will be found 
bleaching in the sun, while their teeth are gracing the mouth 
of many a fair lady, they having been extracted and sold 
to dentists in the United States. 

No traveler can cast his eyes over this plain without ' 
calling to mind the prodigious results that sometimes flow 
from comparative small causes, and certainly no Ameri- 
can can pass the spot without feeling a glow of manly 
pride at the remembrance of the deeds of valour perforn> 
ed by the Spartan band of San Jacinto. They were his 
countrymen, they were his representatives on a foreign 
soil, who left their dear relations and peaceful firesides to 
stay, as they thought, the desolating progress of a san- 
guinary invader ; and whether they had been misinformed 
or not, the prompting motive was a noble one, and should 
mdear them to the friends of freedom throughout the 
fvorld, while the birth of the Texan Republic in all time 
o come, will be dated from the 21st of April, 1836. 

Stand up my noMe Bowie men, 

And face you right about; 

And shoot you straight, bold riflemen, 

And we will whip them outi 

My cavalry and musket men, 

If you'll prove true to me, 

I'll be the foremost man in fight-, 

Said the Ex-Grovernor of Tennessee. 

Much diversity of opinion exists respecting the degree 
of merit which ought to attach to General Houston, for the 
signal victory achieved at San Jacinto, while many assert 
that it was principally owing to his manoeuvres and re- 



104 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

treats, thus ullunng Santa Anna into this particular 
place, there are others who ascribe entirely different 
motives to his conduct, and a want of firmness to meet the 
enemy ; a position which his conduct on the battle field 
nor his former history would seem to sanction. A more 
reasonable conclusion is, that he was governed by circum- 
stances, and even engagements which he could do but lit- 
tle in controling, and was unwilling to hazard a battle so 
long as hopes were entertained of gaining any advantage; 
even by retreating to Nacogdoclies, where he knew of 
reinforcements. But finding his army much weakened by 
desertion, and loud complaints bursting from every quar- 
ter, he decided to stake iiis own reputation and the for- 
tunes of Texas, upon one desperate effort ; and the resu'c 
proved the most complete triumph any where recorded. 
The god of battles there, if not his own prowess, was his 
friend ; and although he commanded a most determined 
set of men, who longed to retaliate for the shameful butch- 
ery of their friends at Goliad, yet it is not charitable to 
award General Houston, a small share of whatever eclat 
is due to the army under his command. 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction, and the re- 
mark to whatever other purpose it may have been used, 
will apply in full force to General Houston. Born, antl 
in part, reared, among the romantic dells in Rockbridge 
county, Virginia, he seems to have hnbibed a correspond- 
ing turn of mind, and his conduct has given a multitude of 
proofs in support of the assertion. In early manhood we 
find him with his widowed mother in Tennessee, where he 
unsuccessfully sought from the United States Government, 
a commission in the army ; and on being thus foiled, he 
forthwith repairs to Knoxville, and enlists as a private 
soldier in the regular service. Soon he is in the Creek 
country, assisting to quell the Indian border war, and by 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 105 

his daring conduct wins a soldier's reputation, and the ap- 
plause of his officers, who procured for him the post of first 
Lieutenant ; at the close of the late wax*, was adopte<l into 
General Jackson's family, where he studied law ; and under 
the patronage of this popular old Hero, very soon became 
the most formidable knight of the Perewig in Tennessee. 
General Houston never had any pretensions to the cliar- 
acter of a profound lawyer j but he is nature's orator ; 
and in impassioned eloquence he appealed to the sensibili- 
ties of courts and juries, and Patrick Henry like, carried 
all before him. Perhaps no man ever lived better qualified 
to harangue a popular assembly. 

In a few brief years, we find him Major General of the 
2nd division of Tennessee MiLtia, and a member of the 
Congress of the United States, astonishing the natives by 
his eloquent and sarcastic declamation — now extolling to 
the skies his patron and benefactor — and anon denouncing 
as a usurper and a tyrant, the worthy and able Ih-esident 
John Q. Adams, one of whose political friends (General 
White) challenged Houston ; and they fought a duel in 
Kentucky, without any serious injury to either. This 
affair came oft' while he was a candidate for the Governor- 
ship of Tennessee, to which office he was elected, and 
soon after married in a wealthy and highly respectable 
family ; and in six weeks he is seen west of the Mississip- 
pi among the Cherokee Indians, having resigned his office 
and dissolved partnership with his wife. 

In the Cherokee nation he aspires to a seat in their na- 
tional council and is not elected ; curses and quits the 
country, and in connection with a gentleman of Nashville, 
purchases in New-York a quaintity of goods and turns 
trader among the Indian tribes contiguous to Texas. Not 
long, and he is setting in the office of the Secretary of 
14 



106 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

War in Washington, closing a contract for supplying the 
.emigrating Cherokees with rations, and at night in the 
street whaUng one of the Ohio delegation for words spoken 
in debate ; and the next day in the custody of the iSergeant- 
at-arms, and in pursuance of a resolution of the House, is 
after a decent delay, reprimanded by Mr. Speaker Steven- 
son, wlro wore his honors meekly on this occasion, being 
closely united to General Houston in the bonds of political 
fellowship. 

Anon he is quietly reclining in a law office in Nacogdo- 
ches, Texas, and very soon a member of the first consulta- 
lion of delegates at San Felipe. He, 

Came among them like a master spirit. 
To fan the coals of revolution, 
And speak of glory that did impend^ 
And of their friends abroad. 

And in the space of fifteen days is in command of all 
the Texan forces, and after the lamented extermination 
of the detatchments of Colonels Fannin and Travis, the 
General commenced a series of retreats, finally arrives at 
San Jacinto, gives Santa Anna an unheard of drubbing, 
and is elected the fii-st President under the Constitution 
of Texas. 

Henceforth twas done— fortune and him were frienda, 
And — he resolved to live — for wrongs to make amends. 

At any rate, he is a man of fine appearance, exhibiting 
the ease and polish of a gentleman in his manners and ad- 
dress, and is one of those few whose features strike at first 
sight and are not sooti forgotten ; and although when in 
adversity and nothing before him to gratify his ambition, 
he has often displayed a recklessness, dissipation, and what 
iis called imprudence, to sUch an extent as to fuini.^h food 
for the envious and malicious^ Yet when ever and, 



HISTORY OF TEXAS to? 

wherever he has been engaged in affairs of magnitude, other 
and a better order of talents have burst forth ; and while 
at such times he possesses much energy and decision of 
character, it is mingled with a moderation and forbearance 
that mark him as possessed of a superior mind. 
Quite a different man is General Lamar. He 

Is a lecturer so skilled in policy, 
That without dishonoring Sabine's cunning, 
He well might read lessons to the devil, 
And teach the old seducer new temptations. 

014 Pla^, 

Talk not of kings— he would scorn the poor comparison ; 
He is a Sage — and can command the elements ; 
At least men think he can— which is much the same thing 
All the world over. 

General Lamar is the President at the time I write, but 
Samuel Houston will be the next. 

Trinity River. — The general course of this stream is 
from North to South, having its source in the highlands 
contiguous to Red river, meanders about 300 miles, and 
empties into Galveston Bay. Small steam boats have as- 
cended to the three forks ; being susceptible of improve- 
ment, boats drawing five feet water may hereafter navi- 
gate to that point with safety. There is, however, a bad 
par at the mouth preventing the entrance of any craft of 
greater draught. The old town of Anahuac is situated at 
this point ; a town of no importance at present, and only 
to be remembered on account of the first violence com- 
mitted on the Mexican garrisons in Texas 5 the curse of 
God seems stamped on the place. 

Liberty is a town containing about 30 houses, on the 
east bank of the river, 31 miles above Anahuac. The 
country around Liberty is well cultivated and the inhabit- 



108 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

ants are generally an industrious and hospitable people. 
The locality, however, is^jiot most inviting to emigrants, 
the lands being all occupied, and rating at comparative 
high prices. 

About 200 miles above Liberty, four miles from the 
river is Fort Houston. This Fort is 150 by 80 feet, con- 
taining two rows of log houses, enclosed with pickets, and 
supplied with good spring water ; situated in a country 
handsomely variegated with prairie and timber lands, much 
of which is of good quality for cultivation, and not yet in 
the hands of settlers ; a large grant, however, made by a 
law of the legislature of Coahuila and Texas, embraces this 
section, and the sale being since declared void by Texan 
enactments, after many surveys, had changed hands, it will 
be necessary for emigrants to act cautiously when locating 
within this region, a part of which is at present the hunt- 
ing ground of Keiche and Caddo Indians. 

The surrounding country of the Trinity can never be 
very rich or populous ; at any rate, not until other more 
favorable localities are fully occupied ; and in descending 
the river, the lands gradually wear more and more the 
appearance of sterility, much of it occasionally inundated, 
and good water is scarce. Indeed, most of the present 
inhabitants appear to feel but little desire to enrich them- 
selves, leading a hunting and pastoral life, content with 
a precarious supply of necessaries, not to say comfort. 
The principal, if not the only article, with which they 
command money, are a few beeves which might now in 
the present sparse settlements be raised in abundance. 

Sabine River. — The head waters of this stream inter- 
lock with some of the tributaries of Red river, meanders 
about 300 miles and empties into Sabine Lake, an inlet ol 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 109 

the Gulf of Mexico. This river, is in part, the dividing 
line betw^een Texas and the United States 5 a kind of na- 
tional limit of very doubtful efficacy. As matter of conjec- 
ture, I would say that it may serve for such purpose as 
well as the Tweed has done in another hemisphere ; or it 
may hereafter answer the same purpose that a bad fence 
between individuals generally does. All speculation, 
however, on such subjects are perhaps premature ; for J 
am not gifted with the power of penetrating futurity, but 
at the same time think it highly probable that some future 
historian will record events connected with this little river 
which my early day in the world has as yet saved me the 
labor ; and perhaps the pain of committing to paper ; and 
it may serve a useful purpose for the Governments and 
people of both countries to bear tliis subject in mind. 

The bottom lands on the Sabine are exceedingly rich, 
and produce cotton, sugar and corn in great abundance, 
while the uplands are either suitable for grazing, or are of 
value for their timber ; affording as they do, a tolerable 
supply of pure water, an article that is seldom if ever 
found in the alluvial bottoms. The principal points of busi- 
ness will be the towns of Belgrade, Hamilton, Pendleton 
and Sabine City. The first is a convenient river port for 
Shelby and the adjoining counties, in which the soil is 
generally of a light grey color, easy of cultivation, moder- 
ately productive ; and of a consistency favorable to the con- 
struction of good roads. The two last mentioned towns are 
destined to be the river ports for a lai-ger scope of country, 
including a valuable district known in Texas as the Red 
Lands. These lands as well as the grey above mention- 
ed, possess qualities which prevent them from deteriorating 
under cultivation, so soon as the same process generally 
exhaust other uplands ; a fact that is well established by (he 



[10 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

experience of some of the best agriculturists in the Repub- 
lic of Texas. 

Steam Boats of 5 feet water will in most seasons be able 
to ascend to all of the above mentioned towns for four or five 
months in the year, and to Belgrade in all seasons ; and this 
place will probably become the principal point of embarka- 
tion and discharge of cargoes for the greater portion of 
the the country east of Buiialo Bayou ; and being situated 
in a well timbered and watered region, where there are some 
excellent sites for mills, etc., all things considered, as a 
place of residence and business, posseses advantages over 
any other location on the Sabine. 

Sabine City, is located on the west ridge of Sabine pass, 
the site being somewhat elevated above the surrounding 
country. Vessels drawing nine feet water, can enter 
this pass, and of course the City of Sabine will possess 
commercicJ advantage over any other point east of 
Galveston. 

Sabim Lake or Bay, is formed by the waters from the 
Gulf and the Sabine and Netches rivers, the last mention- 
ed of which not affording any commercial facilties, has not 
been described. The surrounding country, however, 
partakes of the character of that of the Sabine, and is as 
yet moderately cultivated; the lands being generally in 
the hands of actual settlers, or those speculators who like 
the same class of individuals elsewhere, generally know 
as well how to estimate trees, rivers and creeks as to 
count dollars and cents. The town of Beaumont is locat- 
oi near the mouth of the Netches, and is deemed a place 
of some promise ; and the town of Zavala is laid out at 
the confluence of the River and Angelina Bayou and may 
in time assume some importance. tit b r8h<^ 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. m 

Red River. — The source of this noble stream, as well as 
the Rio Grande, is alike beyond the limits of Texas, and 
near each other, both being swelled by the torrents from 
the Rooky Mountains; and while the Rio Grande skirts 
the Western boundary of Texas, and enters the Gulf ot 
Mexico, Red river meanders through a vast extent of 
country on and near the northern border of Texas; final- 
ly passes through the south west corner of the United 
States and unites with the Mississippi a considerable dis- 
tance above New Orleans. Much of the country border- 
ing this river has never been explored, and would ha^'e 
been altogether impracticable for me and my party to have 
penetrated farther than the head waters of the Brassos 
and the Trinity ; and indeed we were fortunate that we 
did not pay dearly for the tcrmerity of entering the haunts 
oftho.se fierce and revengeful lords of the forest, provok- 
ed as they always have been by the insiduous approaches 
of white men. An excellent interpreter, kind treatment, 
good fortune, and a knowledge of Indian character, to- 
gether with our warlike equipments, preserved us; for few 
\\ any of them ever supposed that four men would ever 
be found scouring that remote region, without a reinforce- 
ment within striking distance. 

Late one evening, when we were all fatigued, and per- 
haps more than one wished himself ensconced in a warm 
bed, or what is quite as likely, seated at a well spread 
board in a civilized country, we discovered a smoke at 
some distance and resolved to make for it, and set by the 
council fire of the copper face. Accordingly, spurring off 
at a good pace, we w"ere not long in reaching his out posts, 
when before expecting it, we were hailed by a sentinel 
wlio spoke nearly the same language, if she did not 
possess the same mien, of the celebrated Helen McGregor 
'-'Stand P'' said she. "What seek you iu the Bidees couu 



nS HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

try?" Astonished at the salutation, particularly when 
coming from a woman, and yet not daring to exhibit oui 
surprise, she was assured that we were a detachment from 
the army of General Rusk in pursuit of a deserter, whom 
we knew was within her camp or village, which we per- 
ceived was then hard by. "Perfidious white man," said 
the heroine, "tell me none of your oily errands, your 
houses now stand on the graves of our people, in the far 
east, and the smoke yet rises from the aslies of those you 
have recently slaughtered in cold blood. Away, or it will 
be worse for you; provoke not my feeble frame to despe- 
ration, or by the Spirit of the sainted Mingo, and the 
prophet Tecumse, our fires shall roast your flesh ana 
burn to ashes your bones, while your first sincere calls 
upon the Great Spirit shall be as unavailing as your hy- 
pocritical pretensions have hitherto been wicked and mis« 
ehievous." 

There was no time to be lost, the signal had been made ; we 
were discovered, and thirty warriors galloped up to the 
spot. Taking a belt of wampum with which I was pro- 
vided, I rode immediately up to the chief (who proved, to 
be a relation of the celebrated Cherokee Chief, Bowls) 
presented the belt on a point of a Bowie knife, about 
twelve inches long. "Umph!" said he; "Peace or war," 
looking me steadfastly in the face, and then glancing at 
!ny companions, he demanded in broken English, the pur- 
pose of our visit. Pointing to the squaw, I replied that 1 
had explained to her, and was impatient to know if the 
deserter would be surrendered, or if we must take him 
by force, remarking that we wanted nothing more, and 
at the same time gave a sign to the interpreter to sound 
the bugle. Placing; the instrument to his mouth, but pos- 
sessing more wit than to blow it, which he knew I did 
not desire, the Indian waved his hand as if to prevent 



J. HISTORY OF TEXAS. 113 

what he supposed was a call to those behind us, and at 
once declared th;tt no white man was in their camp. I told 
him that being the case, there would be no harm in permit- 
ting us to sleep by his fires, not doubting, the least, said 1, 
but you will be as hospitable in peace as you are brave 
in war, and before to-morrow's sun, the white man will 
be here, and you shall see him hang on yonder tree. 

The interpreter, a Mexican, now came forward and 
was making fair wxather among the other warriors, when 
at length, the wampum sealed a treaty of peace for the 
night, which we spent in great glee with these noble mind- 
ed children of nature ; after making a trifling search for 
the supposed deserter of whom we had never heard before 
that evening, nor have I since. 

From here we travelled through a most lovely country 
viewing the works of the Creator displayed in every 
variety of form, while we were surrounded by dangers, 
difficulties and prevations, but the same omnipotent hand 
that called this beautiful world into existence, protected 
us from death, and guarded me safe to my distined port ; 
and I now feel that I am unable to convey to the reader 
a correct and detailed description of this part of Texas 
where many — 

"A flower blooms to blush unseen, 
Aad waste its odors on the desert air." 

But I made no doubt that within a few brief years the 
smoke of the settler's cabin will be winding its way to 
the clouds, where now there is little but the beauties of 
nature to be seen, and ever and anon, the ark deeply 
laden with rich products well greet the eye as they are 
wafted by the current of Red River, destined for tho 
Emporium of Western America. 
15 



114 HISTORY OF TKXAS. 

With an intention of giving the reader, who perchance 
may hereafter seek a home in the Red river country, some 
idea respecting the frontier inhabitants, I will here relate 
an advanture substantially as it occurred. 

After leaving die camp of the Bidees and approaching the 
settlements, our eyes were greeted by the sight of a sign 
board hung high on a tree from which by a close exami- 
nation we were enabled to dechiper the following, which 
I ])encilled in my memorandum book. 

^OC<!COOOjO000OJ0O0 30OO0CK>O000O3OOCiJ0000OO3J0OO0OOO300O0OOOOOC«000OJOOO300OO000OOr» 
^ -^ T^ I 

i Geo. Antonia Dwight, g 

I i 

I KEEPS MUSTANGS AND PEOPLE, 14 LEAGUE I 

° 2 

I OFF, RIGHT HAND PATH 3 TIMES. » 

?JCO;'OCOJOOOJ<X)0:>000-000-iOCOJ0003COOC00030003e)CN3300000003000000050003000DO^ 

Not having slept under a roof for some time, and om 
stock of provisions, powder, etc., being nearly exhausted, 
the right hand path was taken, and every right hand un- 
til we arrived at the advertised Hotel. This proved to 
be a large log house, divided into two apartments, one of 
which was occupied as a cooking, eating, and sleeping 
room, the other on our arrival was full of men of every 
I'olor, black excepted, and contained for sale, tomahawks, 
h ")wie knives, powder and lead, some Indian trinkets. 
:-.nd a quantity of whiskey, which last article was bemg 
consumed at no slow rate. 

Our interpreter now introduced us as Americans, 

vi/ho were viewing the country, and wished to remain 

there until the next day. Mr. Geo. Antonia Dwight, 

vhose every feauture proclaimed theviUian, bowed and 

,): uttered Mexican most obsequiously, presented us with 

tin cup of whiskey, had our mustangs haltered and turn- 

' out, and conducted us into the apartment of cooking, 

5., among the ladies, three in number, viz: two Indian 



mS'IOKY ( F 'lEXAS. 115 

squaws and a Mexican woman, whom 1 do think, was of 
all God's creatures, the ugliest being I ever saw. 

One of the red girls however was extremely handsome, 
and could speak English. I soon ascertained from whence 
she came, and having many years ago traveled through 
the Cherokee nation, and had their seen some of her re- 
latives, our acquaintance was soon made up, and she ap- 
peared desirous to render the accommodations of the 
Hotel as agreeable as possible. For my comrades I cannot 
be answerable, but I declined one honor which was prof- 
fered then as well as before and since, and which is cus- 
tomary among north American Indians, only regaling my- 
eelf with some of the substantials of life, and a first rate 
Havana, the last of my stock of segars. 

Things wore on smoothly for some hours, but by 10 
o'clock, as is often the case among frontier settlers, as 
well as elsewhere, the company was divided into parties; 
not in this instance for the purpose of elevating to the 
Presidency a favorite leader, but the subject of dispute 
was, who was the best man, or in other words who could 
whip. 

It is extremely difficult to mingle with such characters 
and keep out of trouble ; a peaceable disposition and civil 
deportment is apt to be mistaken for timidity, while anv 
thing like an officious display may lead to war at once; 
or what is worse, may excite hatred, and bring out a stab 
in the dark, when least expected. The best wa}/ is to 
assume a quiet determined attitude wiiicli wil generallv 
be respected, but if attacked, make short work. The 
alternative is disagreeable, but there is no other, and not to 
be governed by it, would be suicide. 

1 must do this crowd, however, the justice to say that I 
was treated with marked rerpect, and indeed, throughout 
all my ti^avels in Texas, was never once assaulted, which 



116 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

is doubtless to be attributed 1o my complete amiour for 
defence, and fixed resolution to move on in the even tenor 
of my way, and send to eternity the first who sought my 
life. Never in fact any where in the country, did I per- 
ceive manifestations of unfriendly feelings towards me, 
except at Houston ; and this need be no matter of sur- 
prise, when apart from the complection of the society, the 
character of his Honor the Mayor, and Mr. Jno. W. Niles 
is considered, enough of one of whom has already been 
told, and the other is of too small a consequence for me 
to disgrace this volume by unfolding his treachery, oi 
taking further notice of him in any way until I hereafter 
explain occurrences at Baltimore. I am thus particular 
in these statements for the benefit of others ; and future 
emigrants and travellers will do well to bear them in mind. 
Night wore apace, and as above mentioned, the parties, 
at Antonia Dwight's arranged themselves under dilTerent 
leaders, and after some hard fought battles, a cessation 
of hostilities was proclaimed, and while the vanquished 
went into quarters, occupying a position in the drinking 
room, the victors considering themselves entitled to ex- 
clusive privileges, retired to the ladies' drawing room, to 
enjoy their approving smiles. 

The dance now began, but the light fantastic toe was 
not visible, and a more uncouth heterogeneous group never 
was seen, I presume, to put down flatty to the tune of a 
Banjo. 

"Now advancing— Now retreating, 
Now in circling crowds lliey meet; 
Willi winks and nods and wreathing smiles 
See how the ladies bruise their feet!" 

I had, to be sure, ere this, become somewhat accustom 
ed to singular sights and sounds, and 1 quietly seated my 
self quaffing a Mexican pipe, and mentally exclaiming 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. u? 

nature delights in variety, when a person entered the 
room, so ditlerent in appearance from the rest that he at 
once riveted my attention. Ilis apparel consisted of a 
complete suit of Buckskin, handsomely dressed, and made 
in the style of smaH boy's clothes, fitting his frame appa- 
rently as close as his ow^n hide. Around his body was a 
belt bearing a knife of about 12 inches blade, and a splen- 
did brace of pistols, while his right hand grasped a rifle 
of beautiful workmanship, which on entering the room 
and casting an inquisitive glance around, he carefully 
placed on a rack, and immediately joined the group danc- 
ing. It was evident at first sight, that he was no ordina- 
ry person ; his frame had been cast in one of nature's 
most beautiful moulds, and every feature indicated an in- 
tellect of no ordinary strength ; and while he appeared 
to seek the excitement afl^brded by the sport of the even- 
ing, yet at times he seemed to recoil from the touch of 
those by whom he was surrounded ; his keen piercing eye 
would loose for a moment its lusture, and his noble coun- 
tenance v/as evershadowed with care. 

For this man I involuntarily felt an interest, admiring 
his noble bearing, and that indescribable something that tells 
of a cultivated mind. I pictured to myself the cause of 
his present situation, not unmingled with sorrow, and re- 
solved, if possible, to learn something of his history, while I 
alternately conjectured that he was mourning the irre- 
parable loss of his heart's best love, or separated by great 
distance from objects of his tender regard ; or what was 
still more probable, a voluntary exile from civilization, the 
result of misfortunes which liad perchance originated in 
a liberal and too hasty a temperament, the victim of M^orse 
men too powerful to withstand. 

The dance and song went round in which I eventually 



118 HISTORY O ■ TI XAS. 

as a matter of policy, reluctantly joined, and when my tall 
friend had become somewhat elated with the stimulating 
beverage, much to my satisfaction, and as I expected, aj> 
proached me, and opened a conversation. Stranger, said 
he, you are not very fond of this kind of company but 
make yourself at home, you have friends here, or at any 
rate a friend. I was not so much pleased with this assur- 
ance as with the tones of the voice in which it was con- 
veyed, and the evident sincerity depicted on his counte- 
nance ; and thanking him for his attention, remarked that 
I should always feel at home when in his company, and 
tJiat if I was not much mistaken, he too, had moved in 
circles more congenial with his feelings. He paused, but 
at length replied, or rather exclaimed, that he had, but, 
said he, let us not recall miseries that are past and are too 
apt to return unhid ; but rather seek relief and drown sor- 
row than lead a life of" hopeless grief. Then suddenly 
grasping the intoxicating bowl, he convulsively swallow- 
ed a portion that too plainly betrayed the melancholy in- 
fluence of blighted hopes. 

In a subsequent conversation I was made acquainted 
with his whole history, the particulars of which, though 
not uninstructive, I am at his special request not at liberty 
to relate further than that he was reared, "in my own. 
my native land," and was once Virginia's hopeful son. 
His career ar. well as that of other men whom I saw in 
Texas, carried conviction to the mind, that it is not ail 
who have even fled theh' country who are depraved at 
lieart ; but that many are there who have indeed been 
children of misfortune, and not of crime. 

The course of human life is changeful still, 

As is the fickle wind ant] wandering rill ; .■ 

Or the light dance which the wild breeze weaves, 
, Amidst tlie fadeil race of fallen Iciives, 



HISTORY OF 'J EX AS. «19 

Which now its breath bears down, now tosses high- 
Beats to the earth, or wafts to middle sky 
Such and so varied— the precarious clay 
Of fate with man, frail tenant of a d3.y,—Anow/mous, 

Of the locality and size of all water courses not describ- 
ed in tliis work, a referance to the accompanying map will 
convey a definate idea to the reader ; none are however 
omitted that will ever afford any commercial facilities; and 
Solodo Sobolo, Medina, Oyster, and Crow creeks, witli 
Angelina and Chockolate Bayous, are all that deserve a 
passing notice ; the last mentioned of which, is the more 
worthy of remark, being an inlet of Galveston Bay, and 
having located on its margin the high sounding City of 
Liverpool. This, however, like some other Cities, is not 
yet built ; but the streets and public squares as disclosed 
oil the face of a map, if compared to those in the City 
of Brotherly love, Washington, Franklin, and Indepen- 
dence squares, with the spacious streets which are orna- 
ments as v/ell as conveniences to Philadelphia, dwindle 
into insignificance ; and these kind of maps, when exhib- 
ited to strangers, frecjuently captivate an unlucky specula- 
tor ; and in vulgar parlance, " the way he is sucked in, is 
a caution." 

Among the towns not situated on navigable waters, 
the most important is Nacogdoches, in a highly pictur- 
esque country, the town being nearly surrounded by woody 
bluffs, from the base of which, flows an abundant supply 
of pure water, while the handsome little streets are fi-e- 
quently cleaned of impurities by heavy showers of rain, 
sweeping their surface, and then gliding off to the Bonita 
and La Nina creeks, which unite near by. 

Nacogdoches was founded by Spanish authority in 1725, 
and under the fostering care of the Government grew to 
be an important military post, as well as a place of con- 



I '20 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

siderable traffic ; the surrounding Indians resorting there 
in great numbers in pursuit of presents and supplies \ 
making it also at diiTercnt times the theatre of interesting 
events by the alternate treaties of peace and bloody bat- 
tles, which seem to be the fatal consequence of any inter- 
course between white men and these rightful red lords of 
die forest. Skirmishes were at different periods of fre- 
quent occurrence, and a most desolating warfare was 
waged here during the revolution, that severed Texas 
from Mexico. 

As early as 1827, a hostile disposition was manifested 
towards the Mexican authorities at this place ; an adven- 
ture that it has been said the celebrated Colonel Burr and 
other citizens of the United States were involved in, but 
the ostensible leader was a Mr. Edwards, one of the Em- 
prasarios, who sought to impose on emigrants by selling 
their lands, which had been granted by the government 
to hint on the usual terms ; these being such as forbid him 
to sell. It however proved an abortive attempt, and Ed- 
wards not being sustained by a sufficient force, abandoned 
his claims and left the country. It may not be improper 
to remark here, that the liberal policy of the Mexican 
government in granting bounty lands to emigrants seems 
to have defeated its object, inasmuch as it nurtured a 
thrist for large bodies of land in single hands, a measure 
always to be deprecated, while the general bad faith with 
which the Emprasarios complied with their engagements, 
created much illfeeling between them and the settlers, and 
eventually led to dissention with the government, on 
whose shoulders all blame was shifted by those artful men 
after having possessed themselves of a large portion of 
the country. This subject, however, will be fully discuss- 
ed in a subsequent part of this work, and it is only necessa- 
ry to inf;)rm the reader at present, that with the excep 



HISTORY OF 7EXAS. 121 

tionof Gen. Austin's first grant, on the Brasses, the stipu- 
lated conditions were in no instance complied with on the 
part of the grantees, known by the government as Emprasa- 
rios, and that out of the numerous large grants made by 
Mexico, Austin's is the only one where the titles to this 
day are clearly indisputable. The inhabitants of Na- 
cogdoches number at present 800, who in their com- 
mon deportment will compare handsomely with any por- 
tion of those in the United States south of Mason and 
Dixon's line ; and among them are several gentlemen 
of fine talents and acquirements, and the cultivation of 
the surrounding country, with the manners of the people, 
exhibit a state of society of worth and respectability. 

This town is in latitude 31 deg. 40 min., longitude 
west from the City of Washington 17 deg. 17 min., and 
as well as San Augustine hereafter to be described, is in 
the heart of a region called the red lands, very much re- 
sembling the red lands in Virginia. In fact whoever has 
travelled from Lynchburg by way of Amherst court 
house. New Glasco, and Nelson courthouse to Charlottes- 
ville, has seen the red lands of Texas, difl^ering only from 
those in Virginia by their level surface, while this red re- 
gion east of the blue ridge, possesses picturesque moun- 
tain scenery full of romance, and partaking largely of 
that sublime natural grandeur so familiar to the sight of the 
sons of the good old Dominion. 

Sa7i Augustine. — This town is 50 miles east south-east 
from Nacogdoches, and among other subjects of interest cnn 
boast a house of worship, being the only one in the whole 
republic which is at the time I write exclusively devoted 
to that purpose by any protestant congregation. The in- 
habitants are comparatively a moral and religious ^t^cple* 
16 



122 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

and the little town bears evident marks of a gradually im- 
proving business. The climate here is mild and salubrious, 
and the whole extent of the red lands is a desirable region, 
freed as it is from the monotony peculiar to a very low 
level country, and occasionally relieved by pine ridges 
intersecting the country in regular succession. The pro- 
ducts are chiefly corn and cotton, both of which liourish 
as well as most culenary vegetables. 

Goliad. — This town, on account of its historical remin- 
iscences is worthy of particular remark, being a military 
post from the time it was founded in 1716, until 1836, 
when the troops under Colonel Fannin were murdered ; 
since which time, the population has much decreased, and 
the place altogether abandoned as a depot for munitions 
of war or a rendezvous for soldiers. Goliad was never at 
any time a place of much business, although situated in a 
fertile country and immediately on the west bank of the 
San Antonia river; the traffic centering at the town of 
San Antonia, or as now called, De Bexar, 80 miles above, 
and the river although a deep and beautiful stream qf 60 
yards wide has not as yet, been much of a channel of 
commerce, or been navigated with any thing larger than 
an Indian or Spanish canoe. 

Texanna. — This is a village on the east bank of the 
Navidad river, the site of which is handsome, and the sur- 
rounding country exceedingly rich; but at present contain- 
ing a very sparse population, many farms having been aban- 
doned during the war of 1835-6, and in such cases the pro- 
perty was confiscated, and will not again be possessed Ly 
the former occupants in the absence of positive proof that 
they were in actual service in the Texan army. This 
operation, though in strict conformity wlt'i the practice o} 



HISTORY OF TEXAS 123 

all nations, is yet often very oppressive; and was peculiarly 
so in Texas, falling, as it did, upon those who honestly 
opposed the war, many of whom had been born in the 
country, and were outgeneraled, if not outnumbered by 
svhat they considered the usurpation of strangers. 

Jasper. — This town in memory of one of the heroes of 
76, is located in a large prairie near Sandy creek ; con- 
tains about 20 houses, the number not increasing rapidly 
now, and will not probably at any time, being in a poor 
surrounding country. 

Jefferson^ in memory of the sage of Monticello, is a 
small village on the east bank of Crow creek which inter- 
sects with an unproductive country. The town at pres- 
ent contains about 20 houses. 

Montgomery, in memory of the hero of the heights of 
Quebec, is located 60 miles north east from the city of Hous- 
ton, within five miles of the San Jacinto river. The town 
is not, a place of much promise, and the surrounding coun- 
try broken and sterile, affording however, a good supply 
of water ; an advantage not possessed by the region wa- 
tered by the lower San Jacinto. 

Hamilton, in memory of the hero and popular financier 
of ihe United States, is founded, but not yet built. The 
site is on Buffalo Bayou, opposite Harrisburg. 

San Leon, is located on a high bluff, opposite red fish 
bar in Galveston Bay. This place may in time assume 
considerable imoortance. 



124 HIS'lORY CF TEXAS. 

MINERALS. 

Iron ore is abundant, particularly in Northern Texas, 
and bituminous coal in great quantities is known to be 
imbedded in the romantic hills that border the upper Col- 
orado, and most probably will be found at some future 
period in the plains below. Copper and lead is said to have 
been discovered in several places; but after making dilli- 
gent search and enquiry, I could not ascertain theii* locali- 
ty ; and concluded that though very likely these metals 
may be rich and abundant in Texas as well as elsewhere, 
they have only as yet been found there in prospective. 



SALT SPRINGS. 

In addition to those already described, three ai-e known 
of, one on the upper ti'ibutaries of the Netches River, from 
whose waters excellent salt has been made in small quanti- 
ties, by way of experiment ; one near the Cross Timbers, 
on the upper Brasses, and one on, or near, the Nuesses ; 
none of these have been worked to afford any supply, and 
when the high price of labor is considered, and the facility 
of introducing foreign salt as well as procuring the article 
from the lake, described in a foregoing part of this work, 
it is doubtful whether the business could be made profi- 
table. 



MEDICINAL SPRINGS. 

Only two are known except those previously mentioned ; 
one of \\hich is 30 miles north east from Washington, burst- 
iii ;: in a bold fountain from the high lands that adorn the 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 123 

country, watered by the upper Brasses ; but the little 
creek of Sobolo, 40 miles from the town of San Antonia, 
is hereafter to be the grand rendezvous, and its banks tho 
prominade ground for invaHds in body, and heart sick 
lovers — the veritable Saratoga of Texas. The waters of 
a fine mineral spring here possess similar properties ; 
and I was assured by a most lovely Mexican damsel, as 
she gracefully reclined upon the grass, and her large black 
eye spoke daggers as well as the notes of Hymen, that she 
was educated in Hartford, Connecticut, and had rusticated 
and luxriated at most of the fashionable watering places 
in the United States, none of which were so exhilerating 
to the spirits of an invalid as the Sobolo, however much 
Saratoga might resemble it in other respects. I was the 
more inclined to believe this from the sensations I there 
experienced ; but whether this was the effect of the medi- 
cinal properties of Sobolo or the witching smiles of this 
Mexican Hebe, or the joint effect of variety and change 
of air, as in other cases, I will not positively determine. 



GOLDANDSILVER. 

I could never discover any of these precious metals in 
Texas after leaving the old Spanish mine before alluded 
to, and should there be none such it may be well for the 
country, whose wealth can be drawn from the earth in o 
less dangerous, if not so tempting a shape ; for although the 
laws of trade, as now existing, require such commodities, 
yet all experience proves that it is not the people who fur- 
nish fliem in the gi'eatest abundance who grow the richest, 
or livG the happiest ; and in fact, the reverse of this has, I 
believe, without an exception every where been proved. 

It is deemed unnecessary to enlarge upon this subject. 



12G HISTORY OF TEXAS 

Mining, like lotteries and other gambling, unsettles the 
the minds of men, and currency of every possible kind 
has had a trial in various parts of the world ; and how- 
ever much people at the present day may differ about a 
metallic, mixed or paper currency, I am inclined to be- 
lieve that a mixture in this, as in other things, may give 
it consistency, and that that kind is best that while being 
the actual representative of property facilitates the trans- 
mission of large sums to distant places, while it supplies a 
convenient and safe circulation at home. 

The present currency of Texas consists almost entirely 
of Treasury notes, corporation and individual tickets, such 
as are vulgarly called shin plasters ; and differs materially 
from the currency of the country previous to the war, before 
which time, there was a sound circulating medium, which 
if not so abundant as bank paper in other countries was of 
a more durable kind, and amply sufficient for the actual 
wants of the then sparse and agricultural population. 

The amount of Treasury notes issued by the govern- 
ment is $'1,098,435, from which has been withdrawn from 
circulation about $190,000, leaving a balance out standing 
of upwards of $900,000. Funded debt of the government 
redeemable after 1842, $667,800 ; military scrip 248/)00 ; 
these add to other demands against the government, makes 
a sum total of $4,229,800 up to the end of the 1st day of 
November, 1839. 

The resources to meet this debt have been estimated 
by the Secretary of the Treasury as follo\^ : Import 
duties for the present year, (1839) $954,000; for land 
dues, $504,000 ; direct taxes, $250,000 ; sales of lots in 
the city of Austin, $500,000 : sales of lots in Galveston, 
$250,000 ; sales of lots in Calhoun. $500,000 ; total 
§3,018,000. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. li'7 

The first quarter of the current year produced a revenue 
from importations of about ,^300,000, which shows a large 
increase over any former period, and from the estimation 
of the Land Department, the pubHc domain not touched 
by locations or grants, exceeds one hundred and sixty 
million of acres. 

The military and naval expenses are entirely predicated 
upon a loan; an agent for which purpose is now in Europe, 
but whether he is successful or not, it is believed that af- 
ter nnking proper allowances for the over estimates of the 
heads of departments, the government will at an early day 
possess ample means for the redemption of the national 
debt; particularly if not again involved in expensive hos- 
tilities with Mexico.* 

For the information of those wlio have been connected 
with the army in Texas, I preserved many public docu- 
ments; among which the following is deemed worth insert- 
ing in this chapter of the Emigrant. 

War Department, 

January 1st, 1839. 

In conformity with a joint resolution of Congress, au- 
thorizing and requiring the discharge of all officers and 
soldiers now in service or on furlough, belonging to the 
1st and 2d Regiments of permanent volunteers, an hon- 
orable discharge is hereby granted to the officers and sol- 
diers of those regiments, to take effect from this date, 
except the troops at Galveston and San Bernard, that be- 
long to those regiments, who will receive an honorable 
discharge so soon as they can be relieved by other troops. 

In order to facilitate the adjustment of the claims of 



♦ Note.— Since ihe above was written, a loan of five million has been negotiated in 
England, tlie Texan Government receiving $80 in specie— for every $100 of Governreenl 
bond. 



12J5 HISTORY OF TEXAS 

officers and soldiers, thus discharged, and those who may 
hereafter be discharged, in the hke manner, the following 
rules will be observed by the department: 

All officers and soldiers applying through an attorney 
for an adjustment of their claims must have the power of at- 
torney legally authenticated in the presence of a notary or 
chief justice. If the applicant resides in the United States, 
the power of attorney must be authenticated in the man- 
ner required by the laws of the state where he resides, 
and be certified by the Governor or Secretary of State, 
and have the seal of state affixed thereto. 

In all cases where the officer or soldier has transferred 
his right to pay, and bounty lands for services rendered 
in the army, the department will require such transfer to 
to be executed by deed of sale, and authenticated in the 
mana?'; prescribed by the laws of the Republic, and should 
the transfer and sale be made within the United States, 
the same authentication will be required as stated in t!ie 
first rule relative to non-residents. 

When the hek's or legal representatives of deceased of- 
fice;-s or soldiers apply for pay or bounty land, it will be 
required that they shall produce satisfactory evidence to 
be certified and proven in the manner prescribed in the 
first and second rules, that they are the legal heirs or legal 
representatives. Should they reside without the limits 
of the Republic and claim by will or as administrators, they 
shall have such will probated and letters testamentary or 
letters of administration issued by the proper authorities 
witliin this Republic, and a copy of the bond taken by the 
court granting such letters, must accompany the proceed- 
ings with a certified copy of the Judge, showing that the 
act providing for the settlement of deceased soldeirs' 
estates passed the iSth of May, 1838, has been complied 
with. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. l?9 

When the application is made in behalf of a citizen offi» 
cer or soldier, who died in the full exercise of his rights 
as a citizen, the certificate of the Judge or Clerk of the 
probate court shall be sufficient evidence for the action, of 
the department. 

In all cases the applicant must exhibit his furlough or 
discharge. 

Signed, A. Sidney Johnson, 

Secretary of War, 



17 



130 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



CHAPTER IX. 



TIMBER, PRAIRIES, ETC. 

Timber, principally elm, ash, cedar and pine, is found 
skirting all the water courses in Texas, and often stretch- 
ins oft' into a distant forest on one side of the streams, but 
seldom on both. Oak on the uplands is common, and the 
quantity of live oak, so valuable for ship building, is sup- 
posed to be greater than in any other portion of America, 
of the same extent. 

The rivers are stored with fish ; the bays with oysters, 
and the forests and prairies abound in wild game and 
fowls ; and so abundant are these, that the settlers may 
easily procure meats in abundance without more labor 
and expense than to load and shoot a gun. But in locali- 
ties hereafter to be mentioned, there is an evident scarci- 
ty of timber for useful purposes ; and in such districts 
planters will find it necessary, by ditching or hedging, 
to use late inventions suitible for horse power, or plant 
the native hawthorn, which is profusely scattered, as if 
designed by nature for this especial purpose. 

It is in the vegetable kingdom here, as well as else- 
where, that the finest delineations of nature are portrayed , 
her choicest pencilling ; her most delicate tints, and brilliant 
hues, are attractively displayed in the vai legated flowers ol 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. ,31 

the prairies ; and the travder will behold with pleasura- 
ble emotions, her beautiful finger work as exhibited in the 
large snow like blossoms of the magnolia in Texas. 

This tree, unknown in Northern latitudes, abounds in 
all the southern portion of Texas, and the forest during 
the flowering season (from May to August) presents one 
of the most enchanting views in nature, the recollection 
of which, now that I have left those delightful haunts, fre- 
quently returns unhid and forms 

A green spot 
In the waste of time 
On which the memory 
Loves to dwell. 

I have seen this tree reared by the assiduous labours of 
scientific men, near Philadelphia, in all the perfection 
which could be obtained in such a climate, but that native 
oveliness and mature proportions which are pleasing to the 
eye, was always wanting, and doubly so, after traveling 
through leagues of burning prairies, and then beholding 
whole groves of natural growth rearing unobstructed 
trunks from 60 to 80 feet high, while the large leaves sug- 
gested the pleasantness, of coolness and shade, and wear- 
ing the richness of the deepest perrennial verdure. 

The surrounding country of the Trinity, supplies the 
greatest abundance of the mognolia ; in some places entire 
forests, and ever and anon, on the rough side of a frownhig 
prescipice is seen, this lovely tree smiling from its elevation, 
and not inaptly suggesting the idea to the traveler of a 
snow white beauty greeting his approach. But here at 
long intervals, she is doomed to realize the line of the 
poet — "and is born to blush unseen." 

Every country may boast of something majestic and 
sublime. The State of Virginia, for instance, is adorn- 



132 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

ed witli perhaps the most romantic mountain scenery in 
the world, entering from the North East the very heart 
of the State, and fading away in the distance, till lost to 
view in the Cumberland and Iron Mountains in Kentucky 
and Tennessee. 

Again the Potomac, the James, and the Roanoke, with 
many others, are noble streams, and are nature's highways 
to market, while their fertile valleys teem with the rewards 
of labor, and the numerous medicinal springs and caves, 
with the natural bridge, are objects not only to excite the 
minds of the curious, but to call forth some of the most 
refined feelings of our nature. 

The Pennsylvanian may enjoy a local pride while he is 
scaling the Alleghany Mountains, on a road which if de- 
scribed fifty years ago, would have been received as fic- 
tion ; and while he is exulting in nature's gifts, and the ad- 
vancement of science, he should not suppose that all is 
yet accomplished, but should be stimulated to industry in 
discovering new sources of wealth, and with them addition- 
al means to contribute to the sum total of human happi- 
ness. 

ihe Tennesseean may glory in his fertile valleys, and 
fancy when approaching Cumberland Gap that he is view- 
ing the boldest of natures works ; and the Kentuckian, 
when leaving the the romantic banks of the Kentucky river 
and scanning the immense productions in several counties 
around l^exmgton, will not unreasonably suppose that he 
is in the garden spot of the world. Again he winds on 
through the mountain defiles, crosses Rockcastle, Powell's 
and Cumberland rivers, beholding on every side the lofty 
ridges, crowned with evergreens, while the frovv'ning preci- 
pices and angry cascades fill up a picture not every where 
to be seen, when he exclaims aloud, there is no place on 
e.'M'th equal to Old Kenluck! 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 133 

The nMghty valley of the Mississippi, between wliidi 
and Texas there are no natural barriers, presents the most 
fertile and extensive distinct district of country in the 
world ; and who can estimate the countless millions of 
human beings who are hereafter to draw forth the 
ricli stores of vegetable and mineral productions, and 
through rivers of unknown extent elsewhere prosecute a 
gigantic commerce with every part of the world. 

People very generally along our northern frontier glory 
in the grand chain of lakes which are mainly instrumental 
in spreading life and animation through forests which a few 
years ago were the hunting grounds of the Aborigines of the 
country, and the New Yorkers point with a peculiar de- 
gree of pride, both to their Atlantic and Lake shores — to 
the classic scenery of the Hudson — the Catskill mountain, 
Glenn's falls — Gennessee falls, and to cap the whole, the 
stupendous cataract of Niagara, where an ocean or mighty 
sea of water pours over a precipice of 200 feet high, 
where nature's language thunders in the ears of the be- 
jiolder, while the eye is charmed with the magnitude of 
the scene, and the fantastic rain-bows which are dancing 
in the spray. 

Beautiful lands where the clouds love to rest, 

Like the shroud of the dead on the Mountain's cold breast, 

And the Cataracts roar when the eagles reply, 

And the Lakes their sweet bosom expand to the sky. 

Standing on the bank of this mighty cataract some 
years ago and grasping the hand of a little son who could 
then but half distinctly articulate, the first exclamation of 
the child was. Papa, who made this? The question so art- 
less though so unexpected, made an indellible impression 
on my mind, and produced an answer which I hope will 
find a response in every bosom when beholding the works 



134 HISTORY 07 TEXAS. 

of the Almighty as exhibited at tne falls of Niagara. There 
is in fact no state in the Union, but can boast of some 
thing peculiar to herself, and Texas can boast of her con- 
tiguity to the sea, the mildness of her climate, the fer- 
tility of her soil, and the grandeur of her mountains and 
prairies, the last of which are perhaps the most extensive 
and luxuriant in the world. Hours, aye, even many days, 
are sometimes requisite in crossing these natural medows 
of the South and West, presenting a mighty contrast be- 
tween them and the narrow valleys and pigmy defiles 
that meetthe eye almost everywhere east of the Allegha- 
nies, and perhaps with all men, they will, as they certain- 
ly did with me, produce an expansion of ideas to which 
such comprehensive scenery is always in harmony. 

These mighty plains in Texas are being settled with un- 
paralleled rapidity, and I believe that no where in the 
world, affords so many natural resources to facilitate the 
operations of theheardsman and cultivator whose meadows 
are prepared by nature for their use, and whose cotton, 
sugar and rice fields need nothing but enclosure and til- 
lage, to yield a rich reward. With such obvious advan- 
tages, and an exemption from the heavy tax of buildings, 
which are always wanting in northern latitudes, to prO' 
tect from the inclemency of long dreary winters, the 
property of the gi'azier, the settlers in Texas rear their 
stock with expense of branding and salting, and then 
find ]-eady markets and high prices, and many of them 
are satisfied, and fondly look forward to superior ease, 
comfort and wealth. 

Others again are discontented, partly from in inherent 
principle which prompts men to reject happiness and 
place a false value upon every thing present, and partly 
from the fact that every where within tlie circuit of the 
sun's grand rounds, there are nauseous drugs mingled 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 135 

with the sweets of Ufe; and perhaps some in Texas, 
which a majority of emigrants (for the want of some use- 
ful channel of information) could not forsee at a distance, 
and they now sigh for their lost enjoyments, and would 
gladly exchange the wilds with all its bountiful soil and 
heards of game and distant prospect of wealth, for a resi- 
dence again among the tombs of their farthers. 

But man is a strange being; that love of novelty and 
untiring enterprise which distinguish our people, will still 
impel them onward, and at no distant day, new communities 
will have grown to manhood west of the Rocky Moun- 
tains, and men and institutions similar to, if not improve- 
ments on our own, will have extended from Hudson's Bay 
to Cape Horn. Be it so; as an American, I feel a lively 
interest in the wide spread influence of free governments 
and the transformation of the wilderness into cultivated 
fields ; but as a friend I would admonish those who ar» 
surrounded by the comforts of life and the holy influence 
of kindred ties, to ponder well before taking a long fare- 
well, and exchanging such blessings for the precarious ad- 
vantages to be found in the wilderness, and the too fre- 
quently disappointed hopes produced by reading exaggerat- 
ed descriptions of countries where distance lends enchant- 
ment to the view. 

But to those who are not blessed with such comforts I 
have other advice. To the young and vigorous who must 
be the architects of their own fortune, I have other ad- 
vice; to those who are doomed by the customs of densely 
populated places to be mere hewers of wood and drawers 
of water, to the hitherto imprudent, to the unfortunate, to 
the discarded from society; I emphatically say to all such, 
Go, and go at once, to Texas! There you will find a 
wide and fertile field for vigorous enterprise. The eagles 
of Rome, in all hei glory, soared not over so fine a country. 



1S6 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

The features of the country and climate of classic Greece 
is not more favorable to the development of intellect than 
Northern Texas. The Spartan mothers never nestled to 
their bosoms better materials for heroes than will be 
nursed in Texas ; and I doubt not, but the faithful his- 
torian in future will record deeds of valour, copy elo- 
quent orations, transcribe edicts of government, and por- 
tray the general comfort and independence of the inhab- 
itants of Texas in a manner wholly unknown to any na- 
tion of antiquity. True there are privations to be borne, 
there will be dangers to encounter ; but let it never be 
forgotton, that some of our sweetest enjoyments are 
drawn from succesfuUy combatting with difficulties, and that 
death is the inevitable lot of man, upon earth. Should 
this be premature, a few years sooner or later, is not so 
important as the possession of an abiding confidence that 
in the full exercise of natural right we have omitted no 
duty nor shrunk from any responsibility in the path of free- 
dom while seeking independence and happiness where it 
may be found. 

The measures of the government to Emigrants are lib- 
eral ; the bounty of land alone, with ordinary industry, will 
furnish a competence, if not independance, in a few years, 
and emigrants will find themselves among a people of re- 
cent date, and not so completely organized into clans and 
parties, as to defy competition for the offices of the gov- 
ernment; but free spirits and bold hearts will obtain 
tickets in a lottery where many will draw prizes of wealth 
and honor, who, if remaining in the land of their birth, 
must necessarily have toiled at the oar of incessant labor 
through life, and ended their earthly pilgrimage by leaving 
an impoverished family, and stealing into an obscure and 
unhonored grave ; well, let such go ; we want them not 
s one. But 1 say do not add insult to injury ; do not 



HISTORY OF TEXAb. 137 

you, my reader, prove that you are unworthy the bless- 
ings you have inherited from your ancestors, many of 
whom were the victims of an improper organization of 
society across the water, and as such came to this hemis- 
phere to earn unfading laurels in the cabinet and the 
field. While then we enjoy the fruits of their labor and 
feel a glow of manly pride for our country, let us not for- 
get that there is no system of government that can at all 
times protect alike the rights of ail its people, that there 
is no majestracy but may blush for the tyranny, ignorance 
or injustice of some of its members, that there is no coun- 
try but at particular times public opinion becomes the 
greatest tyrant of all, and that there is no community up- 
on earth, but does furnish men to become obnoxious to 
those in authority without a crime, w^ithout a fault. Do 
not then brand every man as an outlaw for misfortunes, 
or the faults of others ; but rather throw the mantle of 
charity over even an erring brother and bid him God speed 
and better conduct in future. 

Crimes will be committed, and laws we should have as 
far as possible to prevent them ; but I deny that ignomin- 
ious punishments are apt to produce reformation, I deny 
that God has delegated to a community of men the right 
to murder, much less to immure in dark and loathsome 
dungons for life, those who have forfeited their rights to 
citizenship. An individual in self defence may take the 
life of an enemy, a nation may destroy those who wan- 
tonly invade and make war upon unoffending inhabitants ; 
but surely a nation's strength is sufficent to remove beyond 
its limits those who are unworthy members of society, 
and in doing so, should first of all empty those schools of 
iniquity called Penitentiaries and place their inmates west 
of the Rocky Mountains where they cannot contaminate 
18 



138 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

the young and inexperienced artisan of our cities, nor pre^ 
vent those who manufacture most of our comforts, from 
getting bread. 

It has with me been an object of deep solicitude that 
nothing in this work should be calculated to deceive ; and 
however much I may have been influenced by my own 
feelings, the country has, and will continue to be describ- 
ed with an impartial hand, from which in after years there 
will remain a source of delight flowing from a conviction 
that I have been an instrument of good. To be the cause 
of loss and serious disappointment to others would carry 
me sorrowing to the grave. 

In pursuance then, of my original design, I will close 
this chapter with some further illustrations of the incon- 
veniences, as well as advantages, that emigrants must all, 
more less encounter, and as one fact is always worth a 
volume of theories, I will relate a singular adventure, such 
as could scarce have fallen to my lot in any other portion 
of North America ; and will at once convey not an in- 
definate idea of the actual situation of affairs on the whole 
of the frontiers of the country. On a wet and rather 
cool afternoon, in company with no one but my faithful 
Mexican guide, (Pissarro San Plus) I was leisurely riding 
across one of those extensive prairies, when our eyes 
rested on a grove of timber, and near by the smoke of a 
cabin, the first that we had seen for two days. I had 
been thinking of the friends left behind me, and breath- 
ing an inaudable petition to my Creator that I might meet 
them in this world again. I had been gazing at the wild 
grandeur of the plains and bounding herds of animals 
until every thing had become stale and perplexing, and 
it now seemed as if this isolated cottage had been drop- 
ped from the clouds in mercy to a suffering stranger. 

We may talk of our difficulties at home, we may loose 



!l!S!". ;iJY OF T'EXAS 139 

sight of all surrounding comforts ; a holy one, among 
which is the friendly greetings of justly valued friends, 
and a daily intercourse with those who are " bone of our 
bone and flesh of our flesh," and never in this world will 
man learn to place a proper estimate upon ordinary com- 
forts until he cannot enjoy them ; nor to place a true 
value upon that which is in the reach of us all until we 
are without the pale of civilization and find ourselves beset 
with privations and anxiety in a lonely and distant land. 
Yet under such circumstances, a merciful Creator has 
implanted in every virtuous bosom that patience under 
suffering and that untiring perseverance so much needed 
in all trying situations, that while we are denied the en- 
joyment of the heart's fondest wish, we are at the same 
time prepared to exert every energy of body and mind 
to surmount difficulties, and will boldly meet even death 
itself rather than fail in reaching the grand goal of all our 
aspirations. On this occasion no weary traveller in the 
most civilized country ever experienced so much pleasure 
when greeted with the sight of a stately mansion orna- 
mented with the sign of the inn, as I did when in view 
of a lonely cottage wearing any thing but a comfortable 
appearance, and planted as it was, in a region far remov- 
ed from every thing to which I have usually been accus- 
tomed, and almost every thing that under different cir- 
cumstances, would have been desirable. 

When arrived, a gentle tap brought a Creole looking 
woman to the door, when half way opening it and eyeing 
me from head to foot, while she cast a suspicious glance 
at the Mexican, she replied to my interrogatory about re- 
freshments, that — " w^e have none for ourselves." 

This w^as cold comfort, and such as I was in no humor 
to enjoy, and I therefore adopted a plan that gained us 
admission, where I enjoyed the warmth of a huge log fire 



140 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

and a hearty meal of dryed Buffalo tongues, with a zest 
that any denizen accustomed to comfort might envy ; 
aided as it was by a comfortable smoke of my pipe — a 
present from a Cumanche Warrior. 

Some time passed in silence, while our Mustangs* fed 
on the prairie, when a party composed of 8 men and 5 
women entered. The men were clothed in Texan costume, 
and were armed as usual with the deadly rifle and savage 
bowie knife, and taken as a whole, were perhaps as for- 
bidding a set of people as even imagination could well 
picture. Here however, as well as elsewhere, there were 
vulnerable points in their character, and all controling 
circumstances compelled me to make a vigorous assault. 

The leader of the band, as it afterwards appeared, was 
to be married that night to one of the ladies, a buxom 
widow of about 50 years, and proprietress of the cabin. 
(The reason she assigned for this fashionable step was her 
loneliness in the prairie without any men folks.) She 
had been out on some errand connected with the marriage, 
and had with her lover conducted the rest to her domicil, 
where the ceremony was to be performed, and such cere- 
monies afterwards as are usual in the congi'egation of 
Texan hunters. 

A glance convinced me that I was the obssrved of all 
observers, and that my room would be very acceptable 
company ; but not knowing where or when we should 
find another cabin, I preferred remaining in this miserable 
shelter, and among this disagreable crowd, to camping out 
of a wet night ; and I was, therefore, taxing my wits to 
contrive to stay and make m5'self agreeable, when fortune 
put it in my power without further effort. The Esquire had 
not come to perform the mai'riage ceremony ; every mo- 
ment he was expected, but he came not, and this disa- 

♦Horses. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 141 

greeable suspence was continued until the patience of the 
impatient pair seemed entirely exhausted. We had been 
refused shelter for the night, and from the anxiety appa- 
rent, and the questions asked, I verily do believe that they 
feared I was the Sheriff or some such important person- 
age, in persuit of culprits, and only waiting for aid to ar- 
rest them. I however gave no explanation, and was nol 
hasty in departing, when the old lady's patience passed 
all bounds, and in an under tone she conjectured that I 
might be a preacher, and if so, I would, she thought, an- 
swer the purpose of Esquire ; a conclusion she had 

arrived at from her desire to get married, and my appear- 
ance (being in rather a sorrowful mood) doubtless sug- 
gested the idea of a preacher. 

I replied without denying or affirming, and remarked 
that some further delay might bring forth the Esquire, but 
if not I would perform the ceremony. This produced an 
immediate change in my favor. Where all had been cold 
and distant, I was at once regarded with marked atten- 
tion and respect; and the Mexican and even our Mus- 
tangs received a full share of the advantage, and were 
treated with such of the good things as suited their horse- 
ships' appetite. 

My watch told of eleven at night, but no Esquire had 
entered his appearance, and it therefore became necessa- 
ry to prepare for the marriage. Let no one suppose that 
1 officiated with feelings of levity or out of disregard for the 
proper observance of this holy rite; on the contrary, I 
would not for any consideration, under different circum- 
stances have performed the duty, for a duty I considered 
it in view of my own situation as well as that of a most 
faithful companion, who was quite unwell and in no con- 
dition to brave the peltings of the pitiless storm. 

It was but little less than a duty to the parties. Thwy 



14t HISTORY <»F TEXAK 

had agreed to be husband and wife — had traveled more 
than 60 miles to obtain a regular license — they had sought 
the services of a magistrate, and had been disappointed. 
Under such circumstances connected with the fact that 
hundreds are living together for whom an express law 
of Congress recognizes their offspring as legitimate, 
upon conditions of future marriage, I, with a clear con- 
science, repeated the usual marriage ceremony, 
and make no doubt but the parties will live as hap- 
py, and prosper as fast, as if the knot had been tied 
by the most scrupulous divine, or the Esquire of the 
prairie. 

Wishing, while performing a reluctant duty, to duly 
impress the minds of these semi-barbarians with their 
altered condition and increased responsibilities, after de- 
claring them man and wife, I addressed them substantial 
ly as follows : 

I will now proffer my friendly advice to you both, and 
conjure you that through the vicissitudes of life you do 
not forget your plighted vows, or do aught that will cause 
either of you to look back on the event of this evening 
with feelings of regret. Your relative duties are now 
materially altered, but they are of a kind that will 
prove delightful and easy when acting under the in- 
fluence of mutual attachment; and although I may 
never again see you on this side of the grave, yet I 
will not cease to feel some interest in the fortunes of 
those whom it has been my lot to unite ; and most sin 
cerely do I beseech you that when the stranger who 
now stands before you has departed from your fire-side, that 
you will both bear in mind that the ways of the righte- 
ous are ways of pleasantness, and in all their paths is 
peace. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. H? 

This simple admonition, flowmg, as it certainly did, 
from my heart, melted these hardened creatures to tears, 
and more than one in the cottage gave vent to their feel- 
ings in the most audible sobs. 



Hi HISTORY OF TEXAS 



CHAPTER X. 



BAYS, HARBORS, ETC. 

I now invite the attention of the reader to the bays and 
harbors of the country about which no pains or expense 
has been spared, while in pursuit of information, to the 
end that the advantages and disadvantages of each locah- 
ty might be fairly stated ; and if possible to guide emi- 
grants to a harbor of plenty and peace. 

In a country that necessarily must, for a long time to 
come, remain essentially agricultural, the natural facilities 
for prosecuting a foreign commerce is, if possible, of more 
importance than the fertility of the soil ; for however pro- 
ductive that may be, its ponderous commodities must find 
a foreign market, and articles of necessity which the arts, 
inofCiiuity and capital of older communities can supply, 
must make up return cargoes. 

This subject might be enlarged on to a much greater 
extent than comports with the design of this work, and it 
only remains to be seen, whether the sea ports of Texas 
are such as can be successfully used in holding a regular 
intercourse with the great family of nations ; and if so, 
which p*^ Voular point supplies the greatest facilities. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. . 145 

Niiesses, is the most western of all the bays along the Gulf 
of Mexico, md this receives no considerable stream except 
Nuesses rivei', which is not of a character to afford inland 
commercial facilities, while the bay itself, and the general 
feautures of the country around, are uninviting ; so much 
so, as to preclude the possibility of much commerce ever 
centering here. 

Ai'ansaao Bay, receives in addition to a river of the 
same name, one other brook, neither of which is of any 
importance ; and the entrance from the Gulf is obstructed 
like that of Nuesses, the depth of water at high tide being 
on both bars about 7 feet. The town of Copano is locat- 
ed on the east bank of Aransaso Bay, an,d being conven- 
iently situated for the prosecution of a lucrative trade with 
the interior of Mexico, is rapidity increasing in population 
and wealth. 

Matagorda Bay. — This receives the waters of the Col- 
orado, Navadad and La Bacca, and tiu'ough Esperita Bay, 
the San Antonia rivers ; all streams of some magnitude, 
and each of these flow through a country inferior to none 
in Texas or perhaps elsewhere. 

Vessels drawing 8 feet water can enter the Bay through 
pass Cavalo, and ride over a sheet of water of an average 
of 6 miles in breadth, and 75 miles from east to west, 
amply protected by the bold shores ; the whole forming a 
safe and commodious harbor for a fleet of a thousand sail. 

When it is considered that this is the natural outlet for 
the products of an immense fertile country ; a country 
too, in the main, more favorable to health than any portion 
of Texas of the same extent below the mountains, with all 
its valuable timbei', coal, and perhaps other minerals, it 



14G . HISTORY OF TEXAS, 

would seem that Matagorda Bay must in time, become 
ihe centre of an immense trade, presenting but a single 
difficulty : there is but 8 feet water on the bai', and this a1 
present prevents the entrance of vessels suitable for foreign 
commerce. 

But is it not probable that the inventive genius of man^ 
and the age of invention in which we live, may produce 
vessels of an improved construction, and such as can en- 
ter this bay from the remotest corner of the seas ? Much 
more astonishing things are of frequent occurrence, and why 
not this ? Again a large extent of country contiguous 
to Matagorda, is favorable to the construction, at small 
expense, of Raillloads, which when built, will draw to 
this central point,, a large portion of the whole products 
of the countiy ; an advantage that never can be to the 
same extent possessed by any other place on the coast. 

Three cities have been located here : Calhoun, situated 
on Matagorda Island, has strong claims upon the future 
business of the bay. The city of Matagorda is perched on 
a hold bluff, where the invigorating breezes from the deep, 
deep sea can always reach her, and Cox's point comes 
in for a share on the north west shore, where there are 
many beautiful sites for building, as well as plenty of wa- 
ter for the bay craft to swim under her cliffs, and in per- 
fect safety ride out a storm tliat is throwing up the moun- 
tain wave within 10 cables length from their moorings. 

Galveston Bay. — A discription of this Bay will complete 
a sufficiently detailed view of tlie coast of Texas, The 
most eastern point, Sabine lake, having been described 
in a previous chapter, and the mouth of the Brassos, as 
well as that of the Rio Grande, seems to have reversed 
some of nature's laws, which in almost every country in 
t})e world gives to rivers of magnitiid" a liaven for the 



HISTORY CF lEXAS. .^7 

finny tribe, and a harbor, in which the tempest tost mari- 
ner may enjoy a respit. Neither of these do at the pre- 
sent day, and all speculation about their former channels 
and the points at which their waters were mingled with 
the gulf must be decided, by theories, which on the pre- 
sent occasion it is needless to discuss. 

Galveston Bay can be entered by vessels drawing 12i 
feet water, and m this respect possesses one advantage 
over all other bays in the Republic. Those however who 
are acquainted with nautical affairs need not be reminded 
that with the present (Construction of ships the difference 
between the Sabine, Matagorda and Galveston Bayn, is 
unimportant in any commercial point of view other than 
a coasting trade ; and this fact is conclusive, that the chief 
exports of Texas must for years to come, find markets in 
the United States, which will in turn supply such commo- 
dities as meet the daily increasing wants of emigrants to 
the country, 

1 am well aware that an English Bark heavily laden 
has discharged one cargo and took in another at the port 
of Galveston, but much as this arrival may increase the 
hopes of the (-itizens and enhance the value of property, 
at present it is not a triumph, even when connected witji 
the entrance of part of the French Squadron under 
Admaral Baudin that can deepen the pass or of itself make 
Galveston Bay the harbor of vessels of more than 12^ 
feet draught. 

In this Bay I had the pleasure of seeing the Star Span- 
gled Banner of my country waving proudly in the breeze 
from the top mast of the United States Schooner Grampus 
(Captain Payne,) from a cruise in the Gulf. I do not 
kno%^' what emotions a sight of this kind may be calculat- 
ed to create in the bosoms of others, but with me who Iiad 
long been a wanderer in the W'ildeniess, cut off from my 



148 IliS'IOR^ ( F TEXAS 

country and those for whon:i I felt the most tender regard, 
for \v horn too by some fatality I had often been grievous- 
ly disappointed in failing to receive intelligence, it was im- 
portant and had much effect. My relatives, the tombs 
of my fathers, and others now no more — my country — her 
institutions, her victories and her gigantic resources passed 
rapidly in review, and all concentrated in this noble little 
traveler of the deep. 

Yon Star Spangled banner, 
Long may it wave 
Over ti people united, 
As well as the brave. 

• 

T e Bay is a beautiful sheet of water of 30 miles m 
len,< 'i, and an average breadth of 10 miles ; but there are 
man shallows, and only five feet water on Red Fish Bar, 
ovc- which vessels destined for the San Jacinto and Trini- 
ty r: , .Ts mast pass, both of which disembogue at no great 
disr ii'.e. A canal of four miles in length is projected, 
wli will pass through West Bay and unite with the 
Br A, and thus concentrate, by water communication, 
the . le of an extensive country. The points of com- 
pet I for the facilities aiibrded by this b y, is Point 
Bo • and Galvestf)n City. The first named has a 
hni ; lely laid out town on the main land, east of the bay, 
is \ ; supplied with springs, and the largest vessels which 
can '.r the Bay may )ide safely at anchor while shelter- 
ed ;• this Point- Point Bolavar, then possesses all 
tl'j ■ antages, and is exeinjii from m;my of the incon- 
vc' ■\s pcculiarto Galveston city, althrough it is yet 
bu '.iipioved, while its Islnd rival as disclosed on 
th . !. a liiip, presents 134 blocks, with spacious 
sti unii!ng a, rii;lit an ,' s, r.n I on the plain of the 



nisTOP^ -ip 'n;xAs 149 

Island, several clusters of framed buildings, amounting to 
upwards of one hundred, large and small. 

Among these are three large warehouses from \A'hence 
goods at the present day are drawn for the supply of a ma- 
jority of the inhabitants of the country ; and the old Ohio 
River Steam Boat, Warsaw, graces the mai'gin of the 
Island, being run ashore, and so serves for a public house, 
and is in fact amongst the very best Hotels in the whole 
country. 

It is much to be feared that the fair famed Galveston 
city will always be unhealthy ; the water is very impure, 
the site of the city is not sullicientl/ high to admit of 
drains, and its only redeeming quality is a daily sea breeze 
that fans and refreshes the overheated inhabitants. In 
winter, the northern blasts, or as there called, the northers- 
bring the chilling atmosphere of the coldest climates, and 
these are doubly trying to any constitution, from the sud- 
den transition from an almost tropical climate, to extreme 
cold. 

Sometimes these northers come with a vengeance ; on 
my first arrival at the place, I saw some half dozen wreckr. 
lying high and dry, which had been driven ashore by a 
tremendous tornado, such as periodically sweep over the * 
place ; and at such times the water is driven over at least 
three fourths of the plat of the city, to the great damage of 
property and alarm of the inhabitants, who (if I may indulge 
a little pleasantry) I should call amphibeous. 

The usual anchorage for vessels is distant from Point Bol- 
avar, and these cannot make a nearer approach to Galveston 
than 300 yards ; but it is contemplated to build a levee nea-r 
the channel, and reclaim three tier of lots now covered 
with water. Whether this scheme is practicable, I pre- 
sume not to say. 

Some such work is certainly much needed, but while d 



3 50 HISTORY 07 TEXAS. 

would afford material accommodations to most person* 
who reside at, or visit the city, it would, as most innova 
tions do, destroy the business of at least one class of peo- 
ple who now charge a half a dollar ahead for conveying 
passengers ashore, and then ride part the distance in a 
small boat, and the remainder on board of the shoulders 
of the lusty ferryman ; or as otherwise called a Gilly-Cas- 
flierch. 

The exports from Galveston consist entirely in cotton, 
and for want of this, most vessels return in ballast. Tliis 
article, however, will increase rapidly every year, as well, 
perhaps, as some others, for exportation ; while large 
quantities of American and foreign manufactured goods 
will be wanted for the Texan trade. Even now, from 
twelve to fifteen small sails are often seen in Galveston 
as well as Matagorda Bay, and from the former, there ai'e 
four or five Steam Boats that ply regularly to Houston, 
generally with full freights, and great numbers of pas- 
sengers. 

Emigrants can embark at any of the Atlantic cities ; 
and a voyage by sea will be near as speedy, and much 
cheaper than by way of the Mississippi. A passage to 
any of the Texan ports foom New Orleans or Mobi!e, 
will cost r^35 ; a sum nearly or quite equal to two thirds 
of the current price from New York by sea. The Steam- 
ers, however, that ply from New Orleans, are noble ves- 
sels, and visit Matagorda, Velasco, and Galveston ; and a 
cabin passage from Pittsburgh, or any point above the falls 
of the Ohio, will range from 40 to ^50 to New Orleans. 

Galveston Oily, is located on Galveston Island in the 
Gulf of Mexico ; the Island being an average of four miles 
in breadth, and thirty long, presenting a most desolate 
appearance, with scarcely a shrub, and but thr<H:. solitary 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



151 




152 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

trees to relieve the prospect. The soil is light and sandy, 
ont produces melons, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes, in 
great quantities, and much of the grounds are now laid 
out in ten acre lots, expressly for gardening and supply- 
ing those who can afford it, with little manors whereon to 
rear the lofty mansion and surround their dwelling with 
such decorations as fancy and luxury may dictate. 

The beach on the west is gradually winning from the 
waters leaving behind distinct traces of its progress and he 
who is fond of gazing on a w-aste of water may be gratiiied 
to his hearts content, and tlien enjoy the luxury of sea 
bathing, while surge after surge of the briny element is 
playing on the beach, and lifting him ashore, with other 
deposites, which add strength and size to the Island. 



I love to tread the sandy shore, 
And hear the mighty ocean roar, 
When round by some tremendous storm, 
lis billows roll in the grandest form. 



But never shall I forget the awful sublimity of the scene 
I witnessed w"hen tossed on the mountain waves for fifteen 
days in the Gulf of Mexico, most of which time no observa- 
tion could be taken to ascertain our whereabouts ; and the 
vessel laboring so much that few if any on board ever dream- 
ed of treading the sandy shore again. We all however did ; 
and now when I call to mind the tedious suspence and evid- 
ent distress that prevaded the minds of all on board, and 
connected with the tlioughtless levity tliat was displayed 
when apparent danger was over, I am lost in wonder at the 
selfishness that seems alike to contemn reflection anticipa- 
tion, but which when danger is plainly seen, can so soon re- 
duce man to the most pusillanimous of God's creatures. 

A small fort garrisoned by less than 50 men occupies 
the extreme north east point of Galveston Island, and a 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 153 

rendezvous for manners, with some buildings for a Navy- 
yard is located on the west end of Galveston City. No 
ship building, however, is yet done here, but forests of live 
oak are almost in sight of the place ; and I do consider it 
one of the very best naval depots for any power who 
v\ ishes to command the trade of the gulf of Mexico. 

As late as the spring of 1838, the naval armament of 
Texas consisted of one old brig, which, when I saw lier 
moored in Galveston Bay, most forcibly reminded me of 
a North river Lumber craft ; but her navy has since in 
creased to the number of four new vessels, and may, in 
a very few years, become formidable, especially when 
acting in concert with a foreign power, a circumstance 
very likely to happen. 

The old Brig Fulton is now used for a store ship, and 
is yet, I believe, under the command of Capt. Taylor, 
familiarly called Boots Taylor, a gentleman, who for a 
time, was at the head of naval affairs in Texas; but he 
has been supplanted by Lent. Moore of the United States 
Navy, a personege, no doubt, better qualified, although 
Capt. Taylor fought among the Mallies and wears a head 
and hair much resembling a lion's. He is certainly a 
gentleman of any thing but a prepossessing appearance, 
and contrasts strangely with naval officers in most coun- 
tries ; and in this respect does not materially differ from 
all the Subaltern officers which I saw on the station. 

The remains of the fortifications are yet seen on the 
Island, which was many years ago occupied by Lafitte, 
die pirate of the gulf; this station being one of his strong 
holds and the Island of Barratare his head' quarters, 
from whence many a valuable cargo was shipped to New 
Orleans and elsewhere, by this remarkable man, who af- 
ter eluding for years the American and British cruisers, 
20 



IM HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

had the address at last to conciliate Uncle Sam and mot- 
tify John Bull by declaring ''no terms with tyrants," when 
nearly in John's power. For his depredations upon our 
commence, he received a full amnesty and oblivion from 
our government, on condition of his joining our army 
then at New Orleans under Gen. Jackson; and Lafitte 
and his crew, several hundred in number, being the best 
gunmen of the age, they doubtless contributed largely to 
obtain a victory that entwined the laurel around the brow 
of the old Hero. Galveston can boast of some very ex- 
cellent and worthy citizens as well as some notoriously 
conspicuous men; among the last of which is Colonel 
Bowie, the brother, and as some say, the identical individ- 
ual who invented those savage weapons of destruction, 
called Bowie-knives; and Capt. Allen, now Mayor of the 
City, and formerly in the Greek service, with Lord By- 
ron, and more recently in command of a craft which cap- 
tured an Americah vessel in the Mexican trade. He is 
almost fit to personate Sir John Falstaff ; at any rate, he 
laughs and grows fat, and take him all and all. 

He is so various tliat he seems to be 

Not one, but all mankind's epitome: 

Quick in opinions— often in the wrong; 

Is every thing by starts, but nothing long: 

He's Mayor, Statesman, fiddler, and buffoon, 

Then all for the ladies— dancing, gaming, drinking, 

Besides a tliousand freaks that die in tliinking. 

But the most conspicuous of them all, is the celebrated 
Gen. Baker of Tuscaloosa memory, who is now a leading 
member of the Texan Congress. I will not undertake 
to determine that public men are always to be taken os a 
fair sample of those from among whom they have been 
elevated to office, but as some publications, of a novel 
character to me, were circulated to promote this gentle- 
mans's election, as well as others, I conclude they may in 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 155 

struct the reader respecting land titles and interest him 
otherwise, and a small sample is therefore inserted here 
placing the general defence before the world as the Honora- 
ble Representative placed it himself before the people of 
Texas. 



CIRCULAR. 
2b the Editor of the Galoeston Intelligencer: 

Not only my private but my political course has been 
critically examined by my opponents, and I have been 
either much misunderstood or wilfully misrepresented. 
It has been generally understood that I have been con- 
nected with the large land speculators of the country, 
and that I am one of those entitled to the appellation of 
monopolists. In regard to the eleven league grants, I am 
not directly or indirectly interested in one of them. It 
is true I once purchased conditionally an interest in one, 
but gave it up, as I was unwilling to encounter the law 
suits which I felt certain would be the result. On account 
of the numerous conditions attached to the eleven league 
grants, and the almost utter impossibility of complying with 
them, I have always considered them the least valuable of 
the lands of Texas, and consequently have declined having 
any thing to do with them. 

My connexion with the large land speculations of Tex- 
as will be explained by the following letter which I ad- 
dress to the first Congress at Columbia. 

7b the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Columbia, October, 1836. 
I avail myself of the earliest opportunity of tendering 
to the government of Texas a relinquishment of forty-six 
leagues of land lying and situated on the waters of Sul- 



15(j HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

phur Fork and Trinity River, being a p ,rt of the large 
speculations which have created so much excitement in 
the country, and which are looked upon by the lar^e mass 
of the people as ruinous to the best interests of the coun- 
try. It is a part of a contract not generally known to 
exist, and is not embraced in that clause of the constitu- 
tion, declaring certain contracts null and void. I also 
present a copy of the contract on which said titles were 
issued; by which it will be seen, that the whole number 
of leagues embraced is four hundred, and that the conven- 
tion failed for want of information on the subject, to pass 
any ordinance in relation to it. 

Justice to myself and to the individuals owning this 
grant, requires that I should give the reasons which induc- 
ed me originally to become interested in these speculations 
and which now influence me to make this relinquishment. 
Previous to our revolution, we lived under a government 
speculative in its character, and who attached but little 
value to the public domain. They were daily granting 
away large tracts of land, regardless of its ultimate effect 
on Texas, and so far from any dissatisfaction being ex- 
pressed b}' the people of Texas, they encouraged this 
ruinous policy, anxious themselves to accumulate large 
landed estates. Many hundred leagues of land were do- 
nated away in this manner, but the spirit of speculation 
became restive under the slow accumulation of hind 
through the medium of eleven league grants, and the state 
at one session disposed of several hundreds to a few mdi- 
viduals. Of these contracts I knew nothing until the re- 
turn of the parties to Texas, when 1 was offered an inter- 
est in one of the grants which I accepted, and in that 
manner acquired the interest I now relinquish. 1 believe 
the contracts were made in good faith, and equally as fair 
aiid honorable as the numerous eleven league grants now 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 167 

covering so large a portion of Texas. At that time we 
had no government to be injured by these monopolies, 
and I saw no good reason why I should not participate 
in these speculations ; and I will candidly say, did tlie 
same state of things continue to exist as they did at that 
period, I would adhere to my claims ; confident that I 
held them by as pure and legal a title as most of the 
other large claims in Texas ; and I wish it to be distinctly 
imderstood, that I regard all these claims as objectionable ; 
not from any fraud in their acquisition, but because I be- 
lieve they are highly detrimental to the interests of Tex- 
as ; and if sustained will prove i-uinous to the future pros- 
perity of the country. Believing, however, that most of 
them, for a number of reasons, have become forfeited to 
the government, I apprehend that no very injurious con- 
sequences will follow. 

Since my becoming interested in these claims, the whole 
condition of things in Texas has changed. We now have 
a government in an infant state, with a small population 
and an exhausted treasury, contending against a nation num- 
bering eight millions. The principal source of revenue 
is in the public domain ; and to realize immediate funds 
from this source, the domain, so far as possible, should be 
unencumbered. We have hundreds of families in Texas 
who have been broken up by the effects of the war, and also 
who have not yet received their lands as colonists. We have 
a generous and chivalrous band of volunteers from the Unit- 
ed States, aiding us in sustaining our country and fighting 
for liberty against the invading foe; and justice and sound 
policy declare that all these should participate in some of 
the valuable lands of the country. When I see these 
families exposed to want, manfully encountering the hor- 
rors of w^ar — when I see volunteers arriving from the 
United States ; leaving home and its enjoyments tc figh* 



15S HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

with us the battles of the country — when I see the gov- 
ernment poor and needy, confused and scarcely able to 
keep up appearances, I can no longer consent to retain in 
my possession so large a portion of the domain, or throw 
any obstacles in the way of the independence and pros- 
perty of the country. 

Many are in the possession of large tracts of land, who 
never were nor ever will be in the army of Texas— who 
never have and never will contribute one cent to liei 
emancipation. For my own part, as an officer in the 
army of Tejias, I feel that I have faithfully discharged my 
duty ; but I should feel that the laurels of San Jacinto were 
sullied and dishonored if I longer adhere to a claim which 
is calculated to distract and injure my country. More- 
over, I consider that one league of land under a govern- 
ment independent and prosperous, with the confidence of 
a gallant people, more valuable than all the domain of 
Texas, with the curses of the people attending it. The con- 
fidence of my immediate constituents has been made mani- 
fest by the overwhelming vote I received ; and as they 
confide in iny disposition to do the country justice, I am 
determined they shall not be disappointed. 

Since my residence in Texas, I have made the land laws 
and the operations of the land office my particular study ; 
and I have possessed opportunities for information withir> 
the reach of but few. I consequently possess some infor- 
mation in regard to the land operations in Texas, which 
I consider will be useful to the country, and which I con- 
sider it my bounden duty to communicate. I consider 
three-fourths of the valuable lands of Texas, held by large 
grants, forfeited to the government ; but while I myself 
held a claim, I could not do that justice to the goverment 
which the oath I have taken requires, and which my con 
stjtuents so confidently expect. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



159 



The lands I relinquish are among the most valuable in 
Texas are surveyed, and have regular titles made to them ; 
and 1 entertain no doubt but they could be sold by the 
government for two hundred thousand dollars. And I 
would recommend that they be immediately disposed of in 
that way. 

In procuring the survey and titles to these lands, I have 
been at considerable expense ; and while I am willing to 
sacrifice something to the interests of the country, yet I feel 
constrained to say that I have obligations of a sacred charac- 
ter elsewhere to fulfil and which it is my anxious desire to 
do ; and I would suggest that permission to me to locate one 
league of land out of the vacant lands of Texas would not 
more than compensate me for my expense, considering that 
that expense goes to the benefit of the country, in receiv- 
ing lands already located and surveyed. Should, however, 
the Congress think differently, I shall be content. 

In making this relinquishment I have not consulted with 
any one interested in the other portions of it. I do it be- 
cause I feel it my sacred duty, and I would feel proud and 
gratified if not only they, but others interested in the large 
grants in Texas, would make voluntarily a relinquishment 
of at least a portion of their large estates ; confident as I 
am, that by so doing, they would promote their individual 
interest, and the great interest of the country. 

There are other titles to the same land in my name, but 
they do not belong to me, having been made to me as a 
partner of one of the company ; but I wish it understood, 
that I renounce and relinquish all and every claim that I 
may have in these lands, either directly or indirectly : and 
should the Congress consider a more particular and formal 
renunciation necessary, I will with pleasure mo.ke it. 

With the earnest hope that the large landholders in 
Texas, who have acquired their estates without trouble, 



160 HISTORY OF TEXAS 

and with but little expense, will step forward, and like 
true and generous patriots surrender a portion of the same; 
thereby aiding the government, and giving homes of ricJi 
land to our volunteer friends from the United States, to 
compensate them for their services, and endear them to 
the country, 

I have the honor to be, 

Your obedient 

MOSELEY BAKER. 

My vote in favor of the "Texan Rail Road, Navigation 
and Banking Company," has also been censured, and in 
no unmeasured terms ; and there have not been wanting 
men to ascribe it to interested motives. I gave that vote 
— as I have ever given my vote in the councils of this 
country — from a conviction that the true interests of the 
country would be promoted thereby. It was a period of 
gloom and ti'ouble. A Mexican invasion on one side threa- 
tened us, and great internal dissatisfaction prevailed on 
the other, on account of the utter inability of the govern- 
ment to meet the demands against it. The obtaining of a 
loan was not very probable, and the charter for this bank 
w^as granted, because it was considered the only certain 
means of bringing money to the country. That impor- 
tant privileges were granted, no one doubted, and it was 
considered necessary to grant these privileges to secure 
the raising of the capital. 

That the privileges are as great as many have attempt- 
ed to make them out, no one will believe, neither will the 
public believe, that the members of Congress voted for 
this bank fi'ons any consideration of individual benefit. 
Those who afterwards were received into the company, 
were received for the purpose of organizing it, and who 
by their influence and talents would, it was supposed reu- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. IGl 

der it respectable abroad, and secure for the country the 
benefit of the capital proposed. Such were iny views 
on this subject, but when I found the people of Texas 
were arrayed against it, and almost unanimously disap- 
pTobated the vote, I surrendered my interest to those from 
whom I received it. I could have sold my interest for 
some thousands of dollars, but I preferred rather to sur- 
render it as I received it. I now have no interest direct- 
ly or indirectly in that bank — neither have I ever been 
benefited by it one cent. And further, I surrendered it 
when I had no expectation of being a candidate for popu- 
lar favor. My vote in favor of Houston for the seat of 
government, has also been ascribed to interested motives. 
1 was one of the original purchasers of that property ; 
and owned the only interest I ever had, before the first 
Congress was ever elected. We purchased it, believing 
that it was one of the most eligible town sites in Texas ; 
and when the seat of government was to be located, 1 
voted for Houston as decidedly preferable to any of the 
opposing towns. Without going into an argument to 
shew the relative importance of the different places, I 
think I may say that Houston afforded more facilities to 
the government, and more accommodation to the public, 
than could have been found at any other of the rival places. 
It has been charged that bargain and cormption carried 
the seat of government to Houston. If such is the fact, 
let the names of the guilty be held up to public judgment 
and public detestation. But let the proof be made, and 
let not assertion be taken in its place. 

The vote of Congress relinquishing to Mr. B. Menard, 

the east end of Galveston Island, has also been brought 

up in array against me. I did not give my vote on that 

occasion. On the contrary, I gave to Congress all the 

21 



IS2 HISTORY (»F I'RXAS. 

information I had on the subject, and stated myself to be 
a party in interest. But no fraud was practiced on the 
Government, nor was any misrepresentation made on the 
subject. The title to JMenard from the Alcalde at Liber-, 
ty, an<t aM tlie papers and documents relative to the mat- 
ter were laid before Congress and referred to two differ- 
ent committees for examination. Publication was also 
made in the Telegraph for two weeks, for the purpose of 
ascertaining if more than $50,000 would be given for the 
land ; and no one bidding more, and the title from the al- 
calde being perfect in all respects, it was thought advisa- 
])le by Congress to compromise with Colonel Menard on 
the terms proposed. I thinlc now as I thought then, that 
the Government made a bargain of which it has had no 
right to complain ; and I refer to the printed report of the. 
debates of the House as the. best vindication of my course 
on that subject. 

The foregoing are plain statements of facts in regard 
to my course in Congress,, on those subjects brought up 
iu judgment against me ; I attempt not to polish the sub- 
ject. The facts are sufficient to manifest that those wha 
charge me with having used; my legislative iniluence for 
the purpose of promoting my private ends, are men who 
disregard the obligations of truth, and willingly circulata 
any slander to gratify the feelings of envy and malice 
which lie coiToding at their hearts. A just comniwmty 
will do me that justice which the facts require — and truth 
is my aim; — common justice all that I desire. 

I have said that persecution on the part of my. enemies 
was the cause of my being again before the people. A? 
an evidence of that persecution, I refer to a memorial cir- 
culating among the people relative to the election of mili- 
tia officers. It is well known t4iat the object of that me- 
morial is intended for tlie purpose of operating against 



lilSTOHY ( F 'lEXAS. 163 

ne, n,nd that it ongiaated witli men who proved recreant 
to the cause orUberty, when Santa Anna and his murder- 
ous force were desolating the fair plains of Texas. Wlio 
abandoned then- posts before San Antonio when every 
day was expected to bring on a decisive engagement 
Men among the foremost in claiming office and preferment 
—and among the foremost to flee when honor and 
their county called them to the field of battle. And 
such men pretend to assert that the oflice of Brigadier 
General would not have been conferred on me had my 
true character been known. Pitiful subterfuo-e! They 
at least, know me well ; and know that when soldiers 
were reqired, unlike themselves, Mosely Baker was mind 
ful of the obligations of a true and trusty citizen. That 
I have fairly w^on my military honor, and that I wear no 
borrowed plume, I will prove to you. 

As early as June, 1835, 1 foresaw the gathering cloud 
that afterwards burst upon our devoted country, and re- 
gardless of personal sacrifice and personal danger, I gave 
my time and my every exertion to arouse the people and 
convince them of the impending danger. The hrst speech 
made on the subject of the war was made by myself at 
San Felipe, and the first resolutions ever adopted, were 
written and presented by myself at that meeting. Satis- 
fied of the perilous condition in which the country stood, 
I traveled to various parts of Texas for the purpose of 
rousing the people into action ; and so serious were my 
exertions, along with a few others, regarded, that General 
Cos saw proper to make a demand for my arrest, in conjunc- 
tion with five others, of the prominent actors of that day. 
The trials and privations encountered at that period are 
known only to those who participated in the events of 
that period. But it required a mor.d firmness and deter- 
muiation to carry out the great undertaking of which my 



164 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

revilers have no knowledge, and which they could neve 
comprehend. But our exertions were successful and th 
people did rouse. When the campaign opened, 1 wen 
into tiie army as a private. Having been instrumenta 
in the revolution, I sought no office and would accept o^ 
none, f liad been accused of ambitious and intereste 
motives in urging the revolution, and I was determined t 
convince the people of Texas that such charges wer 
false. In this campaign I fought in the battle of th 
Grass Fight, and only left San Antonia when it was un 
lerstood the army were ordered to retreat to Goliad. Whe 
ihe information reached San Felipe of the siege of th 
A.lamo, I was unanimously elected to command the com 
pany from ttiat place, and was among the first to read 
jonzales. On the retreat of our army, I was stationec' 
wilh a few men, never more than 80 m number, to pro 
tect the crossing of the Brassos, which I did against the 
Mexicans, though headed by Santa Anna in person. In 
ihe battle of San Jacinto I did my duty. I was among 
that gallant band, who on the 21st of April, marched to 
the field of battle — resolved to conquer or to perish;— 
who, 783 in number, I'esolved that Texas should be free, oi 
their bones should bleach upon the plains. I furthar re 
member, that on the eventful day of that battle, the mem 
Ders of our army would traverse the camp, and viewing 
the small handful collected, would beseech for retribution 
on those recreants who ignominiously fled the country- - 
some of whom have as ignominiously originated the mii 
morial alluded to. 

At the close of the campaign I was elected a membe 
of Congress from the county of Austin, in which I ha< 
previously resided. And at the first session of the las 
Congress was elected Brigadier General. 

Fe'low-Citizens of Texas! vou are told that notwitb 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 165 

standing these things, my true character was unknown 
in Texas, and that I have obtained office on account of 
the want of proper information!— office has been invaria- 
bly bestowed upon me unsought, and always by those 
large majorities which testify the true estimation placed 
on my character. So far from its being doubtful, or at 
all uncertain, it has been canvassed over and over, and 
over again in every part of Texas, and is as well and fully 
known as that of any other individual in Texas. 

But who, fellow citizens, are the men who thus violent- 
ly oppose me ? Some are men who have proven recreant 
to their country's cause. Others are men who hold in 
their possession large amounts of property, refusing to 
pay the honest demands against them : others, again, are 
the scum of the earth, who bark when they are bid — who 
lie because they are paid for it ; and altogether they are men 
in whose bosoms one warm or generous sentiment does 
not throb. Among the crowd the Editor of the Telegraph 
stands prominent ; — a man whose looks bespeak the vil- 
lain — whose downcast appearance clearly betokens that 
in life he has been guilty of some awful crime, the recol- 
lection of which deters him from encountering with a 
manly look, even his most intimate acquaintance. This 
man's opposition is purely personal, and grows out of the 
fact, that I ever repulsed his advances, and treated him as 
all should who know him — with contempt. 

vSuch, fellow-citizens, are the men who would be your 
monitors ! Such the men who would push me aside, 
in order that no barrier might be interposed between 
themselves and their desires ! After having passed through 
the revolution in your service, I am told I am unworthy 
of your esteem, and should not have your confidence. 

Fellow-citizens of Texas ! I am willing to test this ques- 
lion with them. I also propose to leave the election of 



J ?>\\ HISTORY O T XA.> 

lh( \\\vlitia officers to the people. It is right the people 
should have the right of selecting them, and I cheerfully 
consent that you should determine between myself and 
those who array me. 

Unambitious of office — preferring by far the walks of 
private life, I shall, nevertheless, forego my own individual 
wishes, in order that the Editor of the Telegraph and the 
party that rallies with him in this matter, may have an 
opportunity of testing my standing with the people of 
this brigade, and hencefortli they may be assured that .1 
will be put down only at the polls. To them I say 

"Lay on McDuff, 
And damned be he who first cries hold— enough." ' 

MOSELY BAKER. 



CIRCULAR. 

In the absence of General Mosely Baker, a friend, 
requested to circulate the following address, feels called 
upon to say, in reply to the vindictive, poisonous and per- 
fidious denunciations of Dr. Moore in his papei- of Saturday 
last, that if the black-hearted malice which pervades that 
article can prejudice a single honest and independent 
mind, in this community or in Galveston against General 
Baker, then has the character of our citizens been mistaken. 
Here is a heartless wretch, guilty himself, doubtless, of the 
foulest deeds of crime and shame, which he seeks to jover 
with an assumed contempt of the guilt of others — hei'e is 
an envenomed toad, with the vilest passions ranklijici; in 
his breast, who is always croaking on the subject of others' 
sins, t^ divert the public attention from contemplating his 



HF^TORY f)F EX AS. 167 

own foulness — who had the effrontory to put himself, in 
nomination for Congress the other day, and was immedi- 
ately frowned down by an indignant people, and made to 
withdraw his name at once from the contest — here is such 
a wretch, rotten to the core, disappointed, detested, and 
consequently venomous towards others more fortunate 
than himself, constantly burthening his paper with tirades 
against the alleged offences of his fellow citizens. Is an 
independent community, fully capable of thinking and act- 
ing for themselves, to be led by the nose by the immaculate 
Dr. Moore — than whom a more impudent and contempti- 
ble apostate does not live amongst us ? Is there no virtue 
in the land but that which Dr. Moore approves ? Is there 
no talent but that which lie applauds? Have the people 
no rights, no judgnsent, no will, but those which he licenses? 
if we are ^'raen of straw," to be (dictated to, to be influenc- 
ed, to be transferred like a flock of sheep, I say let us have 
a wiser and better master— not a hypocrite, not an aboli- 
tionist, mot a piratical crusader against the private charac- 
ter and domestic peace of his raeighbors. 

A FRIEND. 

To the Editors (if the Intelligencer: 

All candidates for popular favor are more or less expos- 
ed to the attacks of the malicious and designing, and none 
can expect, howeve«r irreproachable the whole tenor of 
their lives, to escape without encountering some of the 
missile indiscriminately hurled by the understrappers and 
retainers of a party-. For my own part, when I consented 
to acquiftse in the urgent solicitations of a large and re- 
spectable portion of the citizens of Galveston, to permit my 
name to be nui as a candidate for Congress, I expected to 
be abused and calumniated, and to have every part and 
•portion of ray life, w hether public or private, held up and 



168 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

exposed to public view and public judgment. I not only 
expected this, but I also desived it. I consider the private 
and public character of all candidates fairly before the pub- 
lic ; and whilst friends have the right to exhibit the bright 
side of their chai'acter, the opposers have the same un- 
doubted right to hold up the dark and objectionable side. 
Had I consulted my own individual inclinations I should 
not have been running for office at this time. The par- 
tiality of my friends, and what I consider the untiring per- 
secution of my enemies, have however again brought mo 
before you ; and desiring tliat no part of the history of my 
life should be exempted from close and critical examina- 
tion, I have ever said to my enemies, examine it, and sift 
and expose it to the public view. And I agaiu say to them, 
on that subject,. I ask no favor at their hands — I crave no 
rriercy, I ask for no quarters ; but hurling back on them 
the gauntlet of etevnal defiance, I make my appeal to tlie 
public at large. I address, myself to the citizens of Texas; 
to the cool, candid and charitable mind ; to those who 
desire to ascertain truth, and who will judge as men desir- 
ous of doing right. I address myself to those who be- 
lieve charity to be a virtue, and who consider that their 
judgments of the characters of men ought to be formed in 
that merciful spirit of justice which they themselves may 
require in passing down the uncertain road of life. 

It is not a single act of right or wrong which should 
determine the character of an individual ; on the contrary, 
his true character can on,ly be correctly understood by fol- 
lowing him in his progress through life ; by analyzing his 
deeds and discovering whether or not the principles vdiich 
govern and influence him are virtuous. But few men in 
this life will bear a critical examination into every act ; 
and if every man is to be damned in public estimation 
because one dark spot may be found in the midst of o 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 1G9 

thousand bright ones, then I venture the assertion, that 
few will be found in any country passing safely the inves- 
tigating ordeal. I ask for myself in this investigation, 
that the history of my whole life should be entered into ; 
that the talisnmn of virtue should be applied, and that 
hard justice alone should be awarded me. 

The first and only charge against me is that I defrauded 
the Bank of the State of Alabama, out of the sum of twen- 
ty-one thousand dollars, which ofleiice drove me to this 
country. Since my coming to Texas I have never at- 
tempted to palliate or excuse this charge. I have invariably 
■said to all, that it was as inexcusable as it was censurable. 
So far from attempting to color or disguise any portion 
of the transaction, I only asked, on my coming to Texas, 
that people would suspend their final judgment until time 
should test whether or not the act was committed by one 
whose heart was vicious, or whether it might not be set 
down as one of those great and flagrant errors in which 
the best of men have sometimes been involved, and who 
have been considered ehe worst of characters^ even at the 
time their very souls abhorred anci loathed the deed ;, and 
tliat such a thing oould be possible, would seem to them 
strange indeed, and inexplic■able^ I have, to my most inti- 
mate friends, asserted that the act was one to which I was 
driven by circumstances ; that it was an expedient resort- 
ed to for the purpose of raising money, with the firm ex- 
pectation that I should be enabled to meet the payments, 
and with not the remotest intention of ever injuring o-x 
defrauding any one whatever. I now declare that th,e 
intention of wrong, in this whole transaction, was as for- 
eign to my breast as to that of any other individual what- 
ever ; and that, although I admit to the fullest extent that 
it did result in a fraud to the bank, yet that result Avas 
22 



170 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

more my misfortune than my offence. If fraud had been 
my object, and if that act was induced by a vicious heart, 
the great presumption is that my object in Hfe would have 
been to have derived all the benefit possible from that 
fraud, and to have continued in the pursuit of the same 
vicious course. I am willing the public mind should try 
the principles which influence me in life by this test, and 
ascertam whether or not I am, in principle or action, the 
individual my enemies represent. Let the facts speak for 
themselves. 

On my arrival in San Felipe, in the year 1832, I had 
but a single dollar in my pocket. An entire stranger, 
suspecting my destitute condition, loaned me ten dollars, 
with which I found my way to Liberty, and settled down 
to the practice of law. Torn from my political position 
in Alabama— separated from my family-^without a dollar 
in the world — a stranger in a new country, without a 
character, anxl almost without hope ; I felt my heart sick. 
'en and die within me : I felt hapless, hopeless, and forlorn. 
I saw not a glimmer of hope in the wide world before me; 
and the prospect of honorable support was gloomy in the 
extreme. Had the principles which my enennes charged 
me with ever glowed in my bosom, I ask of every candid 
and impartial mind, if they would not, in this situation, 
have been brought into action ; and would I not, in this 
desperate situation, have resorted to some act of duplicity 
or intrigue to have recruited my broken fortunes? But 
no enemy will charge me with this : every friend knows 
that I toiled in my profession, and even manual labor 
twelve month?!, gaining barely enough to support me in 
common gentility. No, fell'sw citizens, a higher object 
influenced my coui"se. Though broken down in spirits, in 
fortune, and in reputation — though pointed at and scorn 
cd, I resolved in my own mind that I would rouse every 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 171 

energy, that I would encounter the taunts and insults of 
the uncharitable and unfeeling, and that I would devote 
my life to the acquisition of those means which would 
enable me to make restitution to the bank, and convince 
the Avorld, so far as I could do so, that, no matter how 
illegal or censurable, or however, apparently fraudulent 
might have been this one act of my life, that, in reality, 
my soul was incapable of any act of fraud, and that 1 was 
the child of misfortune, and not of crime. 

In pursuance of this resolution, I settled in San Felipe, 
hi September 1833, where I soon attained a large and 
profitable practice in my profession. My history had 
become well known to the people : the circumstances 
under which I had come to the country, were familiar to 
every one, and they appeared disposed to throw the man- 
tle of charity over the past, and judge by the operations 
of the future. Had it been possible for me to have been 
governed by the principles attributed to me, surely in the 
course of an extensive business, in which hundreds of diou- 
sands of dollars passed through my hands, I would have 
been induced to have departed from the path of duty. 
Had any other than feelings of honor governed me, sure- 
ly some of the numerous persons who have employed me 
would have cause of complaint. Here, fellow citizens, T 
pause, and ask a strict, close, and scrutinizing investigatiois 
of this critical and tempting period of my life. Hope an^aii^ 
dawned upon my mind : the prospect of recovering from 
my fall was brightening ; a re-union "with my family, a re' 
covery of my lost name, was placed in tempting colors 
before me* But no enemy can charge me with a depar- 
ture from the most scrupulously circumspect course of con* 
duct ; and I here throw down the gauntlet of defiance to 
the world, and challenge the man to come forward and say 
*Kat I have wronged him in my profession, or that I havo 



172 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

detained from him one cent not my due. If any man show 
such to be the fact, I shall return ten fold. In my land 
opearations with the people, if anyone can come forward 
and with truth say that I have decieved him, that I have 
taken him in, that I have in any wise injured him, or that 
I have at any time speculated upon his necessities, then 
will I make restitution with twenty fold. Whatever I 
have in Texas has been honestly obtained — obtained by 
my own exertions, and not taken from the poor, the needy, 
or the inexperienced. The great object of my life has 
been accomplished : I have been fortunate in Texas ; and 
I have settled with the Bank of the State of Alabama, the 
whole amount of their claim against me, including princi- 
pal, interest and damages. 

On the 14th of July, 1837, 1 addressed a letter to the 
President of the Bank, informing him of the changed con- 
dition of my affairs, and of my anxiety to settle the claims 
of the Bank against me. Receiving no answer, I again 
wrote the following letter. 

Houston^ March lOlJi, 1838. 
To the President of the Bank of the State of Alabama: — 

Dear Sir — Enclosed I transmit a duplicate of the let- 
ter which I had the honor to address you sometime since 
in answer to yours of the 28th March, 1837. lam fear- 
ful my answer did not reach you, as I have received no 
intimation of its reception, and anxiously desiring to ad- 
just all demands against me, 1 again address you. 

I wish the bank to understand that I do not propose or 
desire to dictate the terms of settlement ; on the contra- 
ry, I am only willing to settle in a manner which shall be 
perfectly satisfactory to the bank. Life is uncertain, and 
I am anxiously solicitous while I do live, to pay in a satis- 
factory manner the demands of the bank against me ; 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 173 

and I again earnestly request that you will appoint some 
agent with whom I can manage the matter. We have 
no banks nor monied facilities of any kind ; and it is 
wholly impossible in Texas to raise any thing like a re- 
spectable sum in money. 

If it would meet the views of the bank I will pay fif- 
teen thousand dollars in the bonds of the government of 
Texas, redeemable in five years, bearing an interest of 
ten per cent, payable semi-annually, and the balance I will 
pay in good paper of undoubted character, at one, two, 
and three years. Or I will pay in land at the current 
price. In fine, I owe your institution so much money, 
which I am anxious to redeem, but cannot do so in cash 
as it is impossible to obtain it ; and if none of my propo- 
sals are considered satisfactory, I can only say, that what- 
ever property I have is subject to my debts, and I am 
willing the Bank should dictate its own terms. I should 
be glad to hear from you on this subject at as early a pe- 
riod as convenient. 

MOSELY BAKER. 

In accordance with my request, Mr. Joel White, a Di- 
rector of the Bank of the State of Alabama, was appoint- 
ed agent to settle with me, and came to Texas last May 
for that purpose. On Mr. White's arrival, I said to him, 
that I had lost my good name on account of my operations 
with the Bank ; that my object was to recover that name, 
so far as possible ; that I would make no proposition to 
him. I said to Mr. White, that my property was abun- 
dantly sufficient to pay all my debts ; and that if he saw 
proper he might sell, under the hammer, for cash, so much 
as would pay the whole demand. Mr. White replied to 
me, that he was instructed to settle with me in such a 
manner as would be convenient to me, and at the same 



174 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

time do justice to the Bank. I then told Mr. White I 
would pay the amount in land or in good paper, or I 
would pay him in bonds of the Government of Texas. 
He chose the bonds of the Governincnt. When we 
came to the settlement, Mr. White exhibited his papers 
and was about to commence a calculation to so.tisfy ma 
of tlie amount due. I said to Mr. White, I would make 
no calculation, but that I would pay exactly whatever the 
bank charged. I settled with him twenty-one thousand 
dollars principal, eight thousand one hundred and seven- 
ty-two dollars interest, and twelve hundred and sixty dol- 
lars damages, making tlie sum of thirty thousand, four hun- 
dred and tliirty-two dollars ; for which I received his receipt 
in full. So perfectly satisfactory was his settlement that 
the Bank, on Mr. White's return, passed unanimously re- 
solutions of a complimentary character, and withdrew 
every action and proceeding against me. 

I know that the answer to all this, on the part of those 
opposed to me, will be, that the offence committed can 
not be washed away by money. Addressing myself alone 
to the liberal and impartial, I only ask that the extraordi- 
nary exertions I have made, to make restitution, should 
be placed in the ballance against my offence ; and that 
in determining my character, my whole life should be re- 
viewed. 

Among the most clamorous of my revilers are to be 
found men owing thousands of dollars in the United 
States, who never have and never will make an effort at 
payment ; and who, to avoid the payment of their just 
debts, contracted even in this country, cloak their pro- 
perty in the names of others ; and yet such men dare to 
set in judgment and pass sentence on their neighbor's 
character. Men now rolling in luxury have joined in (he 
hue-and'Cry against me, who, if their debts were paid, 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 175 

would not he worth a dollar. Others also are to be found 
with open mouth, whose hearts if examined would ex- 
hibit a mass of depravity shocking to the view, and yet 
such generally are the men most forward, most unrelent- 
ixig in their denunciations of my character. This, how- 
ever, is not to be wondered at ; the experience of life 
amply testifies that those most clamorous, most vindictive, 
most unforgiving, are generally the greatest rascals in so- 
ciety j who, knowing the infamy of their own hearts, 
gladly seize hold of every opportunity to blacken and de- 
stroy the character of another. To such men I address 
not myself. 1 address myself to those only who believe 
in the justice and truth of the poet's words: 



" To err is human— to forgive, divine." 



I have said my transactions with the Bank was more 
my misfortune than my offence — that it was so viewed 
and considered in Alabama, I appeal to every unpreju- 
diced individual acquainted with the circumstance ; I ap- 
peal to every man of honor and standing who has ever 
known me in that state ; and it is one of my greatest 
comforts in this life to know, that among my best friends 
I rank many, very many of the first persons of tiie state 
Df Alabama ;-^and it is further a proud gratification to 
jie to know, that among the old and respectable citizens 
of Texas, I have a great many very warm and very zeal- 
ous friends. And, to conclude this part of the subject, 1 
ask only of those who shall read this appeal, that, in mak- 
ing up their conclusions, they would pursue the golden rule ; 
'^Do unto others as you would they should do unto you." 

MOSELY BAKER. 

The foregoing are selected from several publications of 
a like character ; and I feel unwiiHng to burden the pages 



176 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

of this work with any more, believing as I do, that this 
specimen is quite sufficient to convey to the reader a tol- 
erable definatc idea of the topics discussed during elec- 
tioneering campaigns; there being, at present, but few 
leading measures to divide the people into distinct politi- 
cal parties. This is certainly to be principally attributed 
to the recent origin of the government and the absence 
of some of those exciting questions which at so early a 
day fixed a line of demarkation in our country between 
that party discipline, named Republicans and Federalists; 
but it seems that in the absence of these and other bones 
of contention, the Texans can indulge in stigmatizing each 
other as the most abondened characters, while they pay 
their devotions to particular men, leaving measures en- 
tirely out of the question. 

It is much to be regretted that the acknowledged rules 
of party warfare in the United States tolerate the most scur- 
rilous abuse of every candidate for popular favor; the 
effect of which is, to drive from competition modest worth 
while our legislative halls are frequently made theatres 
in which acts are performed that should disgrace the veriest 
bully and blackleg that ever infested society. Public 
opinion must correct this evil, or the most alarming con- 
sequence will eventually ensue, and then it will be with a 
bad grace that the most malicious can point to Texas as 
a land governed by rengades, even taking Gen. Baker and 
the Editor of the Telegraph as samples, the last of whom 
is no other than his honor the Mayor of Houston, a per- 
sonage already sufficiently noticed in this work. 

It is true, that I never yet saw in the United States 
such electioneering hand bills as the foregoing, and do hope I 
never shall ; but it is not my purpose to set in judgm nt 
upon the conduct of particular individuals, and recent oc- 
currences have made the transactions of Gen. Baker so 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 177 

complex that however guilty he was in the eye of the 
law, for committing a forgery, that a charitable mind 
would avoid passing sentence pro or con. 

One important occurrence is the payment of the sum 
thus obtained with interest and datnage, amounting 
in all to upwards of ^'30,000, and that this was done of 
his own free will none can doubt, since no law known 
to Texas could have coerced the payment ; much less au~ 
ihorized his delivery to the authorites of Alabama to be 
dealt with by their criminal code. 

Whether he carried $21,000 to Texas but did not hap- 
pen to keep it in his pocket at the time of Iiis arrival at 
San Felipe, or whether he was made the dupe of some 
great villian and for this had to fly his country, is perhaps 
only known at the present day to himself; but there is 
no doubt but that his present possessions are immensely 
valuable, and whether restitution was made out of policy 
and to recover his lost reputation in the United States, 
where it is understood he has many highly respectable 
relatives ; or whether he was prompted by that faithful 
monitor, which is said to intrude upon the slumbers of the 
guilty, I for one presume not to decide. It may be possi- 
ble, however, as the General has quoted from the tragedy 
of Macbeth on the occasion of his hand bill, that he migh'. 
at other times do the same, and perhaps when asleep, has 
rehearsed the following, or something much like it: 

"Hence— horrible shadow, 
Unreal mockery— Hence!" 

With all our boasted privileges it may sound strange to 

some, that oppression has driven individuals to seek an 

asylum in Texas, and have there met success, they never 

would have enjoyed here ; but strange as this may seem, 

93 



178 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

it is nevertheless true, in many instances, and it is a srave 
and important question whether all the ends of justice 
cannot be con^passed after materially modifying many 
of our codes of law, such as cause our citizens to expa- 
trate themselves from the land of tlicir birth and the 
tombs of their fathers. 

That such cases are few I would gladly believe ; but I 
i'ear they are mucii more common than is generally sup 
posed ; and who can estimate the amount of misery that 
an honorable and sensitive mind must endure under a 
combination of such distressing circumstances, to say 
nothing of the friends and rc!<itives he leaves behind. — 
That many of an entire different character are in Texas, 
is adtnitied ; many, indeed, who have, untrammelled with 
dilTicultics, voluntarily emigrated to Texas as they might 
have done elsewhere, and many who had involved them- 
selves to STich an extent that the laws of God and man 
liave stamped them as outlaws ; and while such men 
would exercise a pernicious influence any where, those 
who have been made victims of oppression are by an easy 
jtrocess deprived of half their former benevolent feelings, 
and as a natural consequence entertain too unfavorable 
opinions of all mankind. 

I am no apologist for crimes or criminals, but I would 
fain place the most charitable construction upon the ac- 
tions of all men, and would, if I had the power, annul 
every ordinance that fixes the stigma of punishment upon 
Jiim who is not the first aggressor, but provoked to retali- 
ate for injuries which the laws of his country cannot be 
made to reach. 

It is a subject of deep regret, that in this boasted land 
of liberty, and ec^ual rights, those at the head of affairs 
do not always make the public good a cardinal principle ; 
but too is it proved a melancholy truth that public men 



. .:iS'i(i]jV ( F '11 XAS. 179 

ire more intent upon strengthening a political party, 
and aggrandizing themselves, than ordaining laws of equal 
operations ; thus striking at the root of all legitimate gov- 
ernment, and destroying the fondest hopes of those who 
contribute to its support ; and it is a fearful truth, that par- 
ty spirit is sometimes permitted to enter the' very sanctu- 
ary of justice, where the hopes and fears of those clothed 
with authority are made to bend before what they per- 
ceive is popular, in place of fearlessly deciding upon eve- 
ry case according to the unyielding principles of right and 
wrong. 

In vain will the American people boast of their govern- 
ment and the liberty of the citizen ; in vain will the 
christian and philanthropist mourn over the depravity of 
the world, until some radical cure is found for this wide 
spread malady, and an effectual check applied to the dan- 
gi^rous influence of money, ' and also that which is exer- 
cised by combinations under various names ; who plot in 
secret conclave, and from a masked battery can pour de- 
struction on the unoffending head of any individual who 
does not choose to resign his birthright and be made a tool 
m their hands. 

But, says the reader, what has this to do with Texas? 
1 answer it has much. I consider the institutions of a 
country and the character of a people of a thousand fold 
more importance than any description of climate or soil, 
and that in deliniating the national character of Texas I 
have been compelled to allude to individuals with no hi- 
lention of exposing or defending any particular person, 
but to illustrate the whole, not by holding up to view the 
very worst in the country and leaving out of view such 
as are altogether better men than many in my own. 

Besides, I claim tlie privilege of expressing my honest 
C'pinions on public topics, and if they are received with 



ICO HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

the same impartiality as that with which I dehver them, 
I shall hope that my labor is not entirely lost, and glad 
would I be, if I could arouse the dormant feelings of hon- 
est indepence of thought in many bosoms whose impulses 
lead, them to continue the slaves of fashion and the tools 
of demagogues ffor the paltry consideration of a life of de- 
pendence and a death of obscui'ity. 

I love my countiy, and am proud of some of her insti- 
tutions ; but I am one of those who believe that the gal- 
lant band that burst the bonds which united us to a foreign 
government did not bequeath an inheritance of any value, 
if the mass of the people have only exchanged masters ; 
and although the sun in his grand rounds does not reflect 
his rays and warm and fertilize such a country on our 
plannet or one that is so bountiful in all that can contri- 
bute to the happiness of man as the United States, yet 
with all our obvious resourses, and the experience of ages 
before us, who will say that we are a happy or an inde- 
pendent people, or that there is not a multitude who suf- 
fer from the injustice of others, that there is not indeed 
much misery in the land. 

It is not supposed that any system of government can 
be so administered as to operate precisely equal on all ; 
and the chances against this supposition are multiplied to 
an almost indefinite extent in a country so extensive as 
ours, where our pursuits are so much diversified; but it is 
believed that a much nearer approximation could be made 
to the grand goal of perfection by infusing into the social 
and political systems, some of the tenets of the ancient 
Spartans with such modifications and additions as the 
practical experience as well as the speculative theories , 
of modern political economists have brought to view. 

It would seem to be the appropriate business of the 
people of the United States to discard all obsolete theories 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 181 

and adapt their system to the actual wants o; the com- 
munity ; never supposing that in achieving a separation 
from the' mother county, our forefathers accompHshed eve- 
ry thing ; yet while the boasted superiority of our people, 
our institutions and our soil, is the theme of every day, 
I fear it is much more common to boast of what has been 
done, than by manly and enlightened exertions, to earn 
the merit of patriots as well as the name. 

May we not unto oblivion pass, 
But grow as strong as monumental brass; 
High as tlie Serpent of this metal made, 
While Nations stand secure beneath our shade. 

The love of money is the besetting sin of our people , 
an inordinate thirst {ov gain usurps the throne of all the 
finer feelings of nature ; to be rich is to obtain a patent 
of nobility ; and it is observable in every department oi 
life, that the grand aim and end of our being is reversed, 
and in its stead we have substituted the sordid and de- 
ceitful and often narrow calculations of self interest to 
the almost entire exclusion of- all that is ennobling in man, 
and all that can confer true happiness upon a community, or 
goodness upon the individual members of society. Mo- 
dest worth is abashed, and too often in this land of boast- 
ed superiority, the brightest gems are trampled under foot 
in embryo, and men whom the God of nature has endow- 
ed with rare and valuable qualities, are doomed to languish 
in obscurity, until the chilling blasts of penury level them 
to the earth. 

The people of Texas are doubly cursed with this cor- 
roding miilad}^ The liberal policy of the Mexican gov- 
ernment gave birth to speculations in lands on a large 
scale, and these giant calculations now enter into the trade 
of the country in all its ramifications, until men seem al- 
together averse to engage in any regular business which 



J 82 HISTORY O '^ TFXV'^ 

does not promise a speedy return of fortune ; and in the 
absence of such opportunities dissipate time and money 
to the ruin of their own constitutions and the absolute an- 
nihilation of all the sources from whence flow the purest 
and less deiiled springs of human happiness. 

Leagues of land are spoken of in Texas as our eastern 
farmers would of acres, change hand with much less bar- 
gaining and apparent anxiety, and while such traffic has 
and will again enrich many, it will with the same certain- 
ty, if continued, impoverish the country at large, by draw- 
ing from productive labor a large mass of individuals, c]-e- 
ating distinct interests and classes in society, and dooming 
a great many of the inhabitants to a life of dependence 
upon the lords of the soil, who it is preposterous to sup- 
pose will not, as they do elsewhere, rule the actual pro- 
ducers witli a rod of iron, and eventually make them any 
thing but free or independant peasantry. 

Many are emigrating to Texas, who have seen and felt 
the pernicious influences of the system of landlords and 
tenants, of masters and slaves, as they exist in many of 
the agricultural states of this Union, and many too, are 
emigrating who have witnessed the abuses of factory dis- 
ciple in the manufacturing districts of the United States^ 
where the opez'atives are in some instances but one re- 
move from the degradation of the ill fated sons of Africa, 
whom the injustice of man have doomed to bondage and 
at the same time to become a curse to the countr}^, that 
tolerates such atrocious barbarity. 

Uncheering then as is the surface of many things in 
Texas, it is yet to be hoped that with the history of the 
world before them and tlie example of the United States 
always in view, the Texan Emigrants will ponder over the 
defects which exist in our social and political union and 
devise some remedy for tliose evils which are not so deep- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 183 

ly rooted as to defy the strength of freemen when united 
for the humane purpose of mehorating the condition of 
mankind of whatever colour or nation they may be. 

It is however probable that the attitude in which Mexi- 
co and Texas how stands, may be altered at no distant 
day to a more hostile position; and in such event numerous 
as are the Mexicans, jand rich as their country is in the pre- 
cious metals, the contest can scarcely be doubtful so far 
as the recovery of tiiis part of the Mexican Republic is 
concerned. She cannot regain Texas, there are a thou- 
sand good reasons for this opinion 5 but it is more than pro- 
bable that when the tug of war does come, that hostilities 
will not cease until, under the walls of the Mexican cap- 
ital, the victorious standard of the Anglo Saxons will be 
raised to the I'amparts, and then the mingled forcers of the 
United States and Texas will dictate the terms of peace 
with similar motives and objects in view to those enter- 
tained by Cortes when affecting to treat with the An- 
cient Montazuma. 

Under such propable circumstances, the time may pass 
when it w-ould have been practicable to introduce a system 
of wise, enlightened and humane legislation ; and in sucii 
event no one can, with any regard to truth, pretend to 
foresee the ultimate distiny of Texas. That she is rapid- 
ly to increase in numerical strength, whether in peace or 
war, is beyond all doubt ; that she may extend her terri- 
tory to twenty times its present dimensions, is highly pro- 
bable ; that she may become united with us is by no means 
impossible ; but I believe there is nothing more certain, 
than that it will be long ere the government can be con- 
sidered as settled ; and that in her fortunes it will not be 
possible to prevent our citizens from participating, and 
perhaps to such an extent as to involve the nation in war 
with foreign powers ; many of whom look upon tlie past 



184 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

conflict as altogether unjust on the part of Texas, and do 
most certainly believe, that not only the people, but the 
responsible government of the United States were abet- 
tors in a crusade against the peace and rights of a neigh- 
bouring nation, with whom we were in amity, and bound 
by the most solemn compacts to a friendly and commer- 
cial intercourse, while in entire disregard of such obliga- 
tions, we connived at the national assassination of Mexico. 
Again, the abolition of slavery and other incidental 
questions will continue to be agitated in the United 
States, and without daring to conjecture the consequences, 
[ would remind my readers that more unlikely things have 
happened in the world, than a union between the Texans 
and the slave holding portions of the United States ; the 
latter of whom are perhaps naturally enough extremely 
sensitive on the slavery subject, and the former are most- 
ly men who will scruple at nothing which promises an ad- 
dition of strength in either money or men. And this 
feeling is becoming incorporated with every sentiment of 
the inhabitants, encouraged as it is, by the influence of some 
master spirits, who have located in Texas, who talk in day 
of the glories of conquest, and at night dream of gold and 
the Halls of the Montazumas. Apart then, from numer- 
ous other subjects of interest, I predict that the future 
historian will have ample materials from which to cull im- 
portant events in the progress of North American enter- 
prize and vicissitude growing out of the relations between 
the Republic of Mexico and her two northern neighbors ; 
and I would gladly believe that the flowers which may 
deck his pages will be emblems of peace and not the long 
and too often cruelly used implements of disti\iction. — 
But for this I can hai'dly hope. Rapid as has been the 
advance of mankind in the march of improvement in par- 
ticular sciences, the present actual condition of the world 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 135 

al^brds but a painful foretaste of that blessed promise, 
that the lion shall lie down with the lamb, and wars shall 
be no more ; but on the contrary, in private and public lifo 
every thing appears in a ferment portentious of tremendous 
future convulsions ; and this alone should impress the minds 
of parents with the great responsibility they incur while 
training the rising generation, who are destined to act a 
conspicuous part in the drama of life ; while it should 
teach those delegated with high powers, wisdom, modera- 
tion, and justice, in all things, as the safest foundation for 
a nation's glory, the back ground of whose picture has too 
often disclosed orphans in nakedness and want, and wid- 
ows in weeds and tears. 



186 IIlSTOllY OF T^XAS. 



CHAPTER XI 



PRODUCTS. 



Cotton, Indian corn, sugar cane and rice are the lead- 
ing products of the country, the first mentioned of which 
is at present the only article of exportation, and it is pro- 
bable this will be the case for a long time to come. Muc h 
has been said respecting the increased quantities which 
can be grown in Texas over the Southern lands of tbe 
United States, but from the best imformation I could ob- 
tain, I incline to the opinion that Alabama, Mississippi, 
Arkansas and Louisiana lands will produce as much cot- 
ton to the hand in the aggregate, and of about equal quali- 
ty to that grown on the plains of Texas, and the same I 
believe may be said with truth of the other products men- 
tioned above. Figs and oranges may doubtless be culti- 
vated to advantage in many districts within 80 miles of 
the gulf of Mexico, and perhaps the product would be great- 
er than the same could be made in any part of the United 
States of the same extent. In the 2nd division as before 
noted in this work, a greater variety of products can be 
raised, and planters can grow almost every thing wanted 
for consumption, and have a large remaining surplus for 
sale, if industrious and ei-nnomical. Th-'^ -n -plus would 



HIS!N*i?Y OF TEXAT 187 

consist in provisions chiefly ; and doubtless the best busi- 
ness that can now be engaged in, is the opening farms 
and rearing stock, for while stock can now be with very 
little expense numbered exceedingly fast, and sold at very 
high prices, the unceasing tide of emigration will lessen 
the facilities for this branch of business, but will at the 
same time enhance the value of improved lands in a nitio 
equal, if not greatly more, than has been found in the set- 
tlement of any portion of the United States. 

Those unacquainted with the markets in Texafi would 
doubtless be astonished at the comparative high prices at 
which almost every thing is sold, and some have attributed 
such prices to the abundance of money ; but this opinion is 
fallacious and the truth is, high prices result from inade- 
quate supplies, and the depreciation of the currency of 
the country, added to the real scarcity of that. Much 
of the importations are directly or indirectly invested in 
land which sellers of goods are disinclined to pay much 
for, and a heavy profit is universally laid on to meet their 
usual large calculations and to cover a heavy tariiT and 
the discount on such money as can be obtained, ranging 
as it now does, from forty to sixty per cent, below par. 

Again, house rent, board, labour, and every thing 
which a new settler is in want of, is as about five to one 
compared to most places in the United States, and the 
Emigrant who does not find his contingent expenses in- 
crease in a greater ratio than even that, will have to keep 
less company, drink less grog and play fewer games than 
is in many parts of Texas consistent with people's ideas 
of a gentleman. These practices however, are rather on 
the wane in some few places, and it may be barely hoped, 
will in a few years entirely disappear. 

In addition to provisions, all such goods as are general- 
ly wanted in new countries may be snipped to Texas, 



188 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

"with a fair prospect of good profits ; building materials 
will bear transportation from places on the sea board, as 
distant as Maine as well as the Ohio River, particularly 
such as are suitable for the construction of small frames. 
Any quantity of powder, lead, guns, bowie-knives, spirit- 
ous liquors, playing cards, violins, drums, fifes and even 
jews-harps are in request, and stoves in winter sell at en- 
ormous prices, when the weather often changes suddenly, 
and the transit to extreme cold renders a good stove and 
tight house, articles of absolute necessity to those who 
would wish to jireserve life, not to say health. 

Blankets are in universal demand, answering as they 
do, the double purpose of covering while in the arms 
of Mopheus, and cloaks, when going out, and do serve as 
such by simply making an aperture in the centre through 
which the head is protruded, and the blanket lays in am- 
ple folds around the body not inaptly reminding the be- 
holder of a Catholic priest in full costume. This expres- 
sion is not used out of any disrespect felt towards that 
worthy, learned and pious body of men, but entirely 
from tlie first impression made upon my mind on 
seeing the dress of some Texans in a cool moonlight 
evening ; and I yet think the similarity at a distance near- 
ly complete. 

Large emigrating parties will always do best ; and 
among the many reasons for this opinion, I will mention 
the advantages of uniting in one settlement men of difler- 
ent occupations, which would greatly contribute to the 
convenience of all. A teacher, and when practicable, a 
minister of the gospel should be included, there being as 
yet even in thickly populated districts, few persons who 
devote their time to such pursuits ; and on the frontiers 
where the strongest inducements for settlers are found, 
Bchools and houses of devotion or persons to officiate are 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 189 

entirely out of the question. Besides one little cortimuni- 
ty of such kind would soon attract others of like charac- 
ter, and necessarily exercise a happy influence over the 
minds of those at a distance, as well as among its immedi- 
ate members. 

Emigrants should be provided with furniture, imple- 
ments of industry, seeds of various kinds, young peach, 
pear, cherry and apple trees ; clothing, medicine and books, 
as well as materials for building, with as much work done 
as possible ; such as morticing, tenanting, dressing boards, 
&:c. All the above named articles are difficult to obtain 
in the country, and carpenters' work is enormously high. 
But when parties go out thus provided with the addition 
of a good stock of provisions, meats excepted, they may 
soon live comfortable and avoid the heavey expense of 
living at the prices which less provident emigrants are al- 
ways subject to. Native plums, grapes, etc., are abundant, 
and of a most delicious flavor, far superior to any thing 
of the kind I have ever seen elsewhere ; and I make no 
doubt but wine of superior quality can be extracted from 
the grapes of Texas in such quantities as to insure a large 
profit on the business, particularly when the different vari- 
eties are tried and improved by cultivation. There are 
as yet no Manufacturers in Texas, and artisans who go 
out relying alone on their skill in business will meet with 
disappointment. Carpenters, Printers, Saddlers, Brick- 
layers, Black Smiths, Gun Smiths, and Jewellers are in re- 
quest; and in the new settlements, Wheel-wrights and Mill- 
wrights may find employment ; and although the price of 
a decent pair of boots is from $20 to ^25, and hats and other 
articles of clothing in proportion, yet so high are the duties 
on importations, and so high the expense of living, that 
the clear profit on such goods, if manufactured in t'le 
country, must be very small when the stock is purchased 



IXV HISTOKY OF TEXAS 

els < \ xVre, and the rate of exchange considered. I am 
the v>^-ye particular in these statements I'rom the fact of 
havint]^ !s.oen many mechanics in Texas entti'ely destitute, 
and such very generally endeavor to return, having im- 
bibed strong prejudices against the country, for perhaps 
no other reason than die absence of correct information 
respecting their particular avocation before hand. 

Tanneries, I believe, might be esLablished in almost any 
part of the country, when based upon capital, with a 
certainty of success. Abounding, as Texas does, with the 
raw material for such business, small importations would 
complete thei' stock ; and their goods when finished 
would afford a very handsome profit ; the article of sole 
leather, for instance, commanding generally $"1,25 per 
poimd. -A 

Young men of good moral character and handsome ac- 
quirements, may have a v/ide and uncultivated field in 
which to lay the foundation for future usefulness in Texas ; 
such perhaps as cannot be elsewhere found, and these, if 
possessed of strong nerves, and qualified to perform the 
double duty of heroes and saints, may have a very bright 
prospect of becoming in time, not only rich but eminent 
and distinguished among men while living, and objects of 
veneration when dead. 

Lawyers are already congregated in most of the vil- 
lages in such numbers as to induce an opinion that the 
market is full, and whether this is owing to their superior 
sagacity and intelligence or not, many of them are reap- 
ing rich harvests, and others are sowing the seeds which 
in time will produce abundant crops, not only for the pre- 
sent brotherhood, but for swarms of the liberal profession 
who will from time to time, abandon the exhausted soil 
of the older states, and take deep root on the fertile plains 
of this new Republic. This class of men have for 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 191 

ages made a conspicuous figure m the history of the world ; 
their daily avocations make them conversant with every 
thing ; and it cannot be denied that some of the brighest 
pages which adorn our history records the deeds of noble 
daring, both in cabinet and field, of members of tho bar ; 
and it may with equal truth be said that they enact, ex- 
pound and execute th3 laws of every civilized country to 
the exculsion of most others, and that this influence will 
continue until the mass of minkind are much better in- 
formed than at present, and be able to produce in other 
professions men of such varied and useful knowledge as 
may be acquired by the study and practice of law. 

Physicians will generally succeed in Texas ; not be- 
cause the climate is unfavorable to health, for it is mostly 
otherwise, with the exception of a large district border- 
ing the gulf of Mexico. But the change of climate and 
water — the decomposition of vegetable matter, — the ab- 
sence of necessaries among numbers of the people, and 
the singular and intemperate habits of many, will con- 
tinue for j'-ears to be fruitful sources of disease ; and 
skilful physicians will enrich themselves, and benevo- 
lent ones will be a blessing to the country. The Thomp- 
sonians have nearly taken possession ; and certainly have 
at hand an abundant supply of native medicine, which, 
when properly used, will go far to remove disease ; but 
probably not so far as one of them supposed when riding 
with me in a large prairie and spying a clustre of Lobela, 
he dismounted and loudly exclaimed, 

Now hail, my precious herb ! 
That springs from holy ground ; 
You are a sure cure for all tiseasa, 
And healest every wound ! 

Few other pursuits besides those above and elsewhere 
enumerated, will be found profitable at present in Texas ; 



192 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

but a witty friend at my elbow whispers that a student 
of phrenology might prosecute his studies with signal ad- 
vantage ; and should any such emigrate, I would be pleas- 
ed to hear if there are any new developments on the cran- 
ium of his Honor the Mayor of Houston, whom Gen. 
Baker declares is detered from encountering with a man- 
ly look, even the most intimate acquaintance, from a recol- 
lection of the awful crimes he has somewhere committed. 

The future products of Texas, within her present 
limits, will certainly be of immense value, and of great 
variety ; so much so, that almost every vegetable known 
to the West India Islands, as well as much that is grown 
in the United States, will be successfully cultivated, and 
the proceeds will, in time, be amply sufficient to support, 
in affluence, at least twelve million of people. Could the 
foul blot of negro slavery be erased from her escutcheon it 
would be difficult to perceive, according to the usual cur- 
rent of events, any thing which is to retard her onward 
career ; and with the exception of the complicated land 
system, any serious obstacle in the way of those who de- 
sire to become permanent cultivators of the soil. This sys- 
tem, complicated as it is, I have been able to analyze and 
abridge, and now present it in such form as will at once 
convey all the useful information that is scattered through 
a great many volumes ; and all that can be acquired by 
the settler short of a residence in the country, and a kind 
of initiation into the arts and mysteries of the trade. 

First, then, aliens cannot hold lands, the titles to which 
emanated from the Mexican Government, it being clearly 
their intention to found a community of independent land 
owners, and faithful citizens, by giving them a permanent 
intiM'est in the country, and the colonization laws, with 
a single exception, both in letter and spirit, ex])lain the 
policy of the government on this subject. This excep- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 193 

lion was in favor of a company termed the Rio Grande 
Steam Navigation Company, which was allowed exclu- 
sive privileges as an encouragement for settling the coun= 
try along the Rio Grande River, and navigating its wa- 
ters with Steam Boats. The contract was made with the 
Mexican States of Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and 
Texas, and confirmed by the federal congress ; but the 
company after expending considerable funds abandoned 
the enterprize as hopeless, and of course the lands re- 
main beyond the reach of any but actual settlers, or those 
who have according to law received titles from the gov- 
ernment of Texas. 

It may, perhaps, prove useful to some to repeat here 
the quantity of lands which were granted both to Em- 
prasarios and individuals, inasmuch as a person who now 
becomes a citizen of Texas can purchase and obtain a le- 
gal title to such claims in a large extent of country, em- 
bracing the whole of Stephen F. Austin's first grant of 
the Brassos River. Each head of a family was entitled 
to one Spanish league and labore, (about 1700 Englisli 
acres) and each child over 16 years, one quarter of a 
league, and each Emprasario for the introduction of every 
hundred families, possesed a fee simple title to five leagues 
and five labores. With the exception, however of Aus- 
tin's grant, these titles were never perfected. DeWitt 
having died with but one hundread and fifty -four families 
located on his grant out of two hundred contracted for 
and this like all the remaining grants, expired by its limi- 
tation, to the great injury of the individual settles then, 
and will be a fruitful source of litigation hereafter, not 
only on account of the first miscarrage, but also by sub- 
sequent laws of Texas, which declare all property confis- 
cated, the owners of which did not participate in the war. 



194 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

The next description of titles, which are unquestiona- 
bly good, is the land scrip, sold by the governmejit of Tex- 
as, and the bounty lands to volunteers, during the 
revolution. The scrip sold by the government may be 
distinguished from all other evidences of title, purporting 
as it does, to owe to the bearer a giving quantity of land, 
and this may be located or transferred by and to alians as 
well as citizens, in precisely the same manner as the boun- 
ty lands of volunteers from the United States. Their 
head rights, however, are on a different footing, being 
granted for the usual purpose of obtaining permanent 
-settlers in the country ; and it is encumbent on such 
claimant to prove that he has resided in the county three 
years, embracing the time of former hostilities with Mexi- 
co ; and when this proof is satisfactory to the board of 
land commissioners, a title is issued which may be loca- 
ted or conveyed to any citizen of Texas, but is entirely 
worthless to all others who do not become citizens before 
the expiration of the year 1841. 

During the session of 1838 — 39, Congress passed a law 
allowing a bounty of six hundred and forty acres of land 
to ever head of a family, and three hundred and twen- 
ty to every single man who becomes an actual settler, and 
continues in the country as such. This law embraces 
the claims of all emigrants between 1836 and 41, and a 
clause expressly provides for a double quantity when the 
single men have the good fortune to get wives, while 
the law is in force ; thus clearly showing, that while they 
are alive to the present compai'atively weak state of the na 
tion, they are willing to give a home to citizens of any 
kind, and a double one to those who are likely to increase 
the population. 

The session of 1839 — 40 in furtherance of the abovo 
policy, provides a dower of near three thousand acres to 



tiiSTORY OF 'lEXAS. 195 

each lady who takes for her husband any man who was 
a citizen of the Repubhc at the time of the Declaration 
of Independence (1836 ;) but I would say to my fair 
friends, that all such citizens can exhibit some evidence 
of the fact, and it will not be amiss to require as much, 
when any deception on this subject will certainly be of 
the double mischievous consequence usual, because not 
only a bad husband will be obtained, but also a dower 
lost, which in most cases is a matter of serious import. 

It is a singular fact, that the real substance of all the 
legislation respecting land, from 1821 to the present day, 
is embodied in the few foregoing paragraphs, and yet so 
voluminous are the land laws of Mexico and Texas, and 
so vague and undefined are whole chapters of them, that 
a summary containing, as this does, every thing necessa- 
ry to be known, was not obtained without much labor 
and expense ; and I will venture my reputation for vera- 
city for ever hereafter, that no lawyer in Texas will impart 
the same knowledge to any individual client for less than 
five hundred dollars ; and in most cases, if at all, claim 
a larger fee, and a considerable consumption of time 
would be found unavoidable. In this respect, however, 
there are but few individuals of the present day who are 
much to blame. Lawyers, as well as other men, like to 
make money ; and their regular fees, like every thing else 
in Texas, as compared to other places, is very high ; while 
the travel through all the land volumes costs them time 
and money and the claimants of land form such a host 
of customers, that perhaps, as in most other countries, to 
analyze and abridge laws for the benefit of the mass of 
mankind, would amount in the opinion of some to little 
Jess a crime than high treason. 

This difficulty, which seriously effects the rights and in- 
terests of the producers in all countries, is made doubly 



19G HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

difficult in Texas, on account of the numerous frauds that 
nave been committed ; first by the Emprasariors, and sub- 
sequently by olher individuals ; and for the purpose of put- 
tin-,^ Emigrants on their guard, I feel it my duty to ex- 
plain a few of snch transactions, out of which has sprung 
thdiisands of spurious land titles, and these are sought 
for ;.nd sold by speculators, perfectly regardless of the 
Jegnllty of such claims, or the turpitude of their conduct 
wh .fi imposing upon their fellow men and deeply injuring 
the iierdthful growth of their country. 

Ooe short history of an Emprasario contract will, with 
the exception so often mentioned, of Austin's, convey 
not :m indefinite idea of the whole, so far as such claims 
can now be recognised by law. A man in the city of 
Mexico, as one of the firm of Burnett & Zavalla, in Tex- 
as, c-btained a large grant of land under ail the conditions 
of the colonization laws, and without complying with any, 
repaired to New York and sold the estate. Their pur- 
chasers formed a kind of stock company, and issued land 
scrip, bearing a most imposing appearance, and resold 
theii purchase in detail ; or in other words, the Emprasarios 
made a direct fraudulent wholesale ; and the purchasers 
from them sold at retail ; and whether they intended fraud 
or not, such was the result ; for the 1-and never was, or 
can be, worth a cent to any person who now holds a claim 
under that grant. 

Auain, many spurious titles have grown out of the 
clai;as of volunteers upon the government, and this is in 
pari to be attributed to that inordinate thirst for specula- 
tion, v/liich has prevented Congress, as yet, from section- 
ising the country, or doing any thing that could enable 
people generally to ascertain with certainty where it was 
safa to locate ; and it is in part to be attributed to a de- 
sire ielt by others to speculate ; some of whom after help- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 197 

ing to whip Santa Anna and witnessing the oneration of 
those at the head of affairs, who were, without trouble^ 
accumulating large landed estates, and rather frowning on 
volunteers, because they were no longer needed ; concluded 
to join in the general scramble for land, and get all they 
could ; the result of which so flir, has been that persons 
in a great many instances have, without knowing it, cross 
ed each others lines, and as often obtained a land claim 
from every board of commissioners, with the full intent 
to get three claims in place of one ; and with this capital 
enter the market, and furnish purchasers with leagues or 
acres, just to accommodate these plebians, who had not 
yet been initiated into the arts and mysteries of the 
trade. 

The Constitution of Texas declares that no alien shall 
hold lands in Texas, unless the title eminates from the 
government ; or unless it be the legal heii's or repre- 
sentatives of citizens of the country, or those engaged 
with them against Mexico in 1835 — 6 ; therefore those 
persons in the United States who hold claims of a differ- 
ent character from those enumerated as valid in this chap- 
ter, must either emigrate to Texas, cheat some other per- 
son, or loose the land. Under all such circumstances, I 
would advise Emigrants to touch not, handle not, any des- 
cription of titles out of Austm's grant, except those 
which have emanated directly from the government of 
Texas, and these, when good, can be ascertained in no 
other way than by a close examination of the government 
scrip ; or a scrutinizing search in the general land office 
of the republic, twelve months after the survey purports 
to have been made. 

Land and water with the titles to the same, as well as 
the products, natural and artificial, may appropriately 
claim a place in the same chapter ; and the more so, be- 



138 HISTORY 07 TEXVS 

cause al the present day, almost every thing but air, ia 
sold ; and this I presume will in time become a commer- 
cial commodity, by some process as yet undiscovered. — 
It therefore remains for me to furnish a further description 
of the principal forests and plains, with the growth ou 
each, both vegetable and animal. 

The general surface of Texas, from Red River to with- 
in an average distance of 80 miles from the Gulf of Mex- 
ico is a beautiful inclined plane ; broken only by the ir- 
regular mountains disclosed on the map accompanying this 
work ; and among other valuable purposes which these 
mountains answer is the important fact that they purify 
the numerous rivers which at about an average distance 
of 60 miles apart wind their circuitous way from 1 500 
miles down to 150 (the San Antonio, the shortest of all) 
when their waters mingle with the deep, deep, sea! 
through that curious and boisterous little ocean called the 
gulf of Mexico. Another and important advantage de- 
rived from nature's gifts in these mountains, is to break 
llie force of the icy northern blasts that periodically sweep 
over the whole country, while in and near them great 
quantities of excellent lime stone is imbedded ; an arti- 
cle unknown in any other locality in such quantities as 
would furnish a supply for building. Coal, too, and of 
excellent quality, is abundant contiguous to the mountains; 
and there are in many places appearances, which indicate 
the deposite of those shining commodities which in the 
United States are familarly known as yellow boys and 
mint drops. 

The mouth of the Rio Grande River is in the 26th de- 
cree of North Latitude. The North Eastern boundary 
of Texas at a point on Red River is in the 94th degree 
of West Longitude, and thence northwest, along that riv- 
ver, to the 100th degree, and northwest, until striking the 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 199 

Rio Grande at a point above Santa Fe, where the latitude 
has never been taken. Thus it will be seen at a glance, 
that these two streams skirt a country above the moun- 
tains, of vast extent, to compare to that part of Texas 
which is as yet at all settled. The average distance of 
the rivers below the mountains is only about 200 miles, 
where they empty into the Gulf, while the Brassos and 
Colorado is believed to meander in all not less than a 
thousand miles ; and the present Amei-ican settlements 
have not as yet extended beyond the mountains at any 
place, and in but few very near. The Mexican farmers 
and herdsmen, cover with a sparse population, a long dis- 
tance contiguous to the Rio Grande, but they disappear 
before the Anglo Saxon in about the same ratio that has 
marked his footsteps, while gradually occupying the de- 
serted hunting grounds of those Red, but native Ameri- 
cans, who once roamed in all the pride of freedom over 
the now cultivated fields of these States, and the sites of 
our cities which ave crowned with a hundred spires. The 
range of Mountains that divides Texas into two distinct dis- 
tricts commences at the mouth of Puerco creek, on the Rio 
Grande River, and terminates at a high bluft" of lime stone 
on the Brassos ; and with the exception of the scattered 
herdsmen above alluded to, the entire country, except 
Santa Fe, is in undisputed possession of Indians and 
other animals, fish and fowls. The fowls and fish are truly 
abundant ; and the quantity of wild horses, cows, buffalo, 
deer, wolves, bears, panthers, wild cats, and a small spot- 
ted cat, usually called the leopard cat, is such as would 
astonish the natives in my country ; and I saw a larger 
cheese at the hut of a Mexican herdsman, and make no 
doubt quite as good one as the celebrated Oswego cheese, 
that graced the table of our hospitable president, Andrew 
Jackson, some years ago, while our merchants were fail- 



200 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

mg and the artisans of our cities, for want of employment 
were sometimes doomed to hear their helpless children 
cry for bread. 

The country above the mountains is as far as seeii, 
handsomely diversified with groves and prairies, the latter 
of wliich are clothed in summer with all the finery of 
beautiful flowers, and the groves consist of all the varie- 
ties of oak, hickory, black walnut, sugar tree, or curled 
maple, wild cherry, mulberry, ash ; while the sycamore 
Hues the waters, and the ever green pine, crowns the 
ridges and precipices along the numerous brooks, whose 
waters are pure and limped, and give music and anima- 
tion to the v/anderer, who has left the haunts of civiliza- 
tion to roam through the native grandeur of these vast 
solitudes ; and while surveying the varied beauties to see 
in his mind's eye the dense population which soon will 
cover them, transforming every thing into different colors 
and shades. 

In addition to v/hat has elsewhere been stated respect- 
ing the country below the Mountains, I would remark, 
that the eastern portion of Texas is very generally hea- 
vily timbered ; embracing every description common in 
the southern states, and a much larger portion of live oak 
and magnolia than is elsewhere to be found. After cross- 
ing the San Jacinto River for the west, tlie large prairies 
commence with here and there a cluster of pecan, oak, 
ash, wild peach, elm, pine, &:c., and when nearing the 
Brassos the pine begins to disappear and its place is sup- 
plied along the Brassos and Colorado with great quanti^ 
ties of live oak, whose sturdy trunks and ponderous arms 
suggest an idea of mature growth, and exhibit proportions 
which may well entitle them to a high rank among their 
fellows, especially after travelling further on and behold 
mg the diminutive musquetoes relieved occasionally by 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 20 

the prickly pear and the sturdy palmeto, whose pointed 
leaves very much resemble the bristling bayonets of some 
men of war. 

From the La Bacca and Guadeloupe Rivers to the Rio 
Grande, a distance of 200 miles, is an almost successive 
prairie of a width varying as noted in the first chapter of 
this work, and of soil of considerable fertility, but badly 
supplied with water ; and this whole region which I have 
elsewhere called the first division of Texas, is the head 
quarters for snakes, frogs, lizards, scorpions and a curious 
thing called fiddlers, along the streams, as well as the 
Taruntula (a large spider) and the centipede, with a wea- 
pon of death (where no other animal or insect that I know 
of carries such a thing,) in its tail. Whether this venom- 
ous reptile is a distinct animal from all the rest of crea- 
tion I cannot say ; but it is certain that its implement of 
distruction is in a curious place, and also the article that 
has destroyed thousands of men will resusitate the centi- 
pede : for I saw one after being apparently killed three 
times, brought into life by a simple baptism in whiskey. 

This first division too of Texas is famed as the resi- 
dence of a better order of frogs than some other localities. 
True there is any quantity of the common sort of inhab- 
itants, but the horned frog is a nobler being, standing as 
he does some inches high, on as many legs, and sporting 
a pair of hard horns full half an inch long, while as if to 
show every where the different grades in society, the 
Mexican hog, a little ugly animal, but who, like Lear, is 
every inch a king ; and proves it in peace and in war, 
for when his authority is disputed he proclaims hostiiities, 
and victory or death is a motto that during the whole his- 
tory of his Mexican highness has been held most sacred 
and inviolate. 

26 



202 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

In the timbered regions of Texas there is generally saf- 
ficient mast to not only keep hogs, but also fat them ; and 
the Musquetoe grass groAvs so finely in most of tiie prai- 
ries, and particularly in that last mentioned, that it seems 
nothing is wanting but timber and water. Man, ever fer- 
tile in expidient, will here, as elsewhere, obviate these 
difficulties to some extent, and content hinaself to burn 
lime from the immense beds of sea shells; make brick in the 
prairies around, where he will plant trees and drink water 
which is said to descend alike from the clouds upon the 
godly and ungodly, while with the Icelander, who glories 
in his frozen region, the Texan Emigrant will fancy that 
he is in the very paradise of the world, beyond the tor- 
menting jingle of sleigh bells in winter, and where the 
heat of summer is relieved by refreshing sea breezes, and 
the cool shade of groves which have been planted by his 
own hands. 

I cannot, however, conclude this chapter without ad- 
monishing those whose lot has hitherto been cast in Nor- 
thern Latitudes, to shun the first division of Texas : — 
There is such a palpable difference in every thing that it 
is unreasonable to suppose that any man accustomed to 
the cool air, the high rolling lands and quick running 
streams of the North, can, if in health, preserve it in the 
first division of Texas ; the testimony of many interested 
witnesses to the contrary notwithstanding. But if such 
locate in the second division, or beyond the mountains, 
and are cautious in their mode of living, for a time, health 
in most cases, equal to that any where enjoyed, will re- 
ward them ; and the region along the gulf may resusitate 
invalids sometimes ; nature in this particular, as in some 
others, exhibiting an unaccountable inconsistency by cur- 
ing a sick man with the same atmosphere that would make 
t well man sick. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 203 

I have now travelled with my reader throughout the 
breadth and extent of a country larger than both France 
and Spain, and one whose natural resources and capabili- 
ties is perhaps unsurpassed in either hemisphere ; and al- 
though as a faithful guide, I have been sedulous in my en- 
deavours to amuse as well as instruct, so extensive is the 
country, and so varied are its beauties and deformities, and 
so very singular and interesting its prospects and history, 
that I am unwilling to break with my friendly reader until 
we have reviewed the ground, and communed together 
much more upon the subject. If we must, on a further 
travel, witness the performance of tragedies as well as 
comedies, we will view them with a philosophic eye, and, 
mutually agree to emulate each other in joint efforts to 
mitigate the sufferings which are often produced by 
"man's inhumanity to man, which makes countless thou- 
sands mourn/' 



^04 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



CHAPTER XI 1. 



RK VOLUTION IN MEXICO. 

For three hundred years, the iron rod of despotism had 
been suspended over the illfated Mexicans ; and Spain, 
the once proud mistress of the Seas, and an exalted nation 
of Europe, had been gradually, but surely, imbibing a poi- 
son, which is the legitimate offspring of licentiousness 
and injustice, until, by insiduous approaches, it finally 
fastens on the vitals of the body, producing disease and 
death. The Mexican people had received at her hands 
nothing but a series of unheard of cruelties ; the mass of 
the people did not enjoy even the semblance of freedom; 
their mines of visible wealth supplied the exhausted cof- 
fers of an imbecile and pampered Noblessee ; the native 
and rightful owners of the country were doomed to o 
servitude the most humiliating that even imagination could 
paint. 

Under such unfavorable circumstances, it is not strange 
that the heroic courage of the ancient Mexicans had near- 
ly departed ; it is not strange that a race of men, v/hen 
once conquered and made familiar with slavery, should 
tamely submit to their task-masters for a time ; it is not 
strange that with their imperfect ideas of the science of 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 205 

Government, the Mexican patriots in the present century 
should have blundered into an anarchy, the fate of many 
other nations more enhghtened than this. 

But it is an unalterable decree of Omnipotence, that all 
things earthly shall have an end ; and nothing can so has- 
ten a catastrophe, either in national or individual measures, 
as a total disregard of those mutual duties which man 
owes to man, and a hypocritical tampering with the 
bounties of God. That such was the conduct of the gov- 
ernment and people of Spain, from the first hostile inva- 
sion by the inhuman Cortes, down to the last remaining 
vestige of their authority in Mexico, is as true as holy 
writ ; and that retributive justice which is the doom of 
the guilty is with uplifted arm yet chastising the tyranical 
and priest ridden natives of Spain. 

Excited and stimulated by the example of surrounding 
Republics, there were master spirits in Mexico who could 
descry the goddess of liberty hovering aloft, and saluting 
them with the smiles of a long lost friend, and those 
Mexican Chiefs in defiance of apparently insurmounta- 
ble obstacles, infused through the nation, the sentiments 
which animated their own bosoms, until the people were 
prepared and willing for freedom, to strike with a bold 
and an undaunted hand. 

Never were swords drawn in a better cause, and nev- 
er did men, with such difficulties to encounter, perform 
feats of chivalry and deeds of valour with more self-de- 
votion than did these noble descendants of the JNIontazu- 
mas. But here, as elsewhere, the seeds of discord were 
sown ; here, as elsewhere, laurels were won and lost 
amongst sunshine and clouds; and amidst the reflecting 
light of fliis grand Aurora Borealis* of the South, the dam- 

♦Critics please laugh at this.— Awihor 



206 HISTORY OF ILaab. 

pers of envy, malice, and revenge, became conspicuous, 
and eclipsed, for a time, the most brilliant achievements. 

The unhappy strifes of party had disfigured the other- 
wise glorious pages of Mexican History at this period, 
and man's inhumanity to man glutted its vengeance by 
reeking in some of the best Mexican blood, the immedi- 
ate effects of which was a withdrawal of confidence by 
surrounding nations, while it furnished food for the envi- 
ous and malicious, who proclaimed them unworthy of 
freedom, and branded them as a nation of bandits and 
cut-throats. 

Never were charges more unjust. That there were 
among them individuals, who, dead to every honorable 
impulse, scrupled not to riot among the ruins of their 
country, and enjoy the spoils is admitted ; but that there 
was more of such character than has acted on the stage 
of other countries is denied ; and it may with truth be 
asserted, that there was by far less than disgraces the 
revolutions of England or France, while neither of those 
enlightened nations of Europe can boast of more devot- 
ed patriotism or exalted talents, than burst forth during 
the trying vicissitudes through which the Mexicans have 
passed. 

True, there was no Oliver Cromwell among them to 
lock the door and pocket the key of the hall which con- 
tained the national assembly, while the superstitious popu- 
lace were driven to the slaughter, amid shouts and psalm 
singing. True, there was no Napoleon whose rare for- 
tune enabled him for years to hold unbounded sway over the 
bodies and minds of millions, without meliorating their con- 
dition ; and true, they did not possess a Washington 
whose virtues, and moral courage, united all* hearts : 
Hor did they hav^e the co-operation of a formidable 
French fleet, or a population of their own who had been 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 207 

6lessed with the faculties for acquiring information that 
was common to the EngHsh colonies in this hemisphere, 
from their first settlement to the day that burst asunder 
those bonds which had chained a mighty continent to the 
little Island of Britain. 

Nothing has kept Mexico in the back ground but the 
cruelty and injustice of other nations. Nature has show- 
ered her choicest gifts upon that people, in soil, climate, 
and the precious metals ; and inhabited by an intelligent 
population, it would long ere this have become a fairy land 
indeed ; and the city of Mexico one of the most magnificent 
rmd delightful places in the world. This city is situated 
on a vast plain of hundreds of miles diameter, and eleva- 
ted seven thousand feet above the level of the sea, and, 
surrounded by lofty mountain scenery whose tops ai'e cov- 
ered with snow at almost every season of the year, while 
the breezes of spring fan and invigorate the inhabitants 
and scatter far and wide the perfumes of orange and lem- 
on groves, and other delicious fruits and vegetation which 
cover the whole face of the valley. 

But numerous as have been their difficulties, the city is 
among the richest and of the most venerable and imposing 
appearance of any in America : many whole squares being 
formed of beautiful white stone, and the buildings exceed- 
ingly lofty and spacious, and of uniform size and architec- 
ture, to which is attached fragrant groves, lovely gardens, 
and sparkling fountains, with the smooth surface of the 
blue lake glittering in the distance ; the whole wearing 
much more the appearance of a beautiful dream than any 
thing like our notions of reality. 

Among the most splendid public edifices, is the Cathe- 
dral, presenting a chaste and classic order of architecture, 
and the interior is profusely decorated and ornamented 



208 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

with solid masses of gold and silver in the shape ot 
lamps, railings, statues, etc. 

Within the consecrated walls of this venerable church 
the Mexican patriots were wont to assemble when resis- 
tance to the unholy dominion of Spain was in embryo, 
and on more occasions than one, bursts of patriotic feeling 
and native eloquence were poured forth in such torrents 
of truth as to cause simultaneous appeals to the god of 
battles for protection from every individual who could 
lisp his name. Shall we, — said a hoary headed veteran, with 
his eyes raised to heaven, and his finger pointing to the 
north — shall we the desendants from native Mexican king? 
and princes wear the shackles of bondage and transmit 
them to posterity with the example of the Anglo Saxon be- 
fore us — shall we the rightful owners of this country con- 
tinue to pay tribute to the stranger, when our neighbors 
have strangled a lion, by whose strength they were planted 
and nurtured, and yet receive the enthusiastic plaudits of 
the world. Shall we, free born Mexicans, longer submit to 
be the slaves of tyrants and the tools of knaves, for 
the paltry consideration of a life of degradation and a 
death of disgrace ? No ; rather will we be the immedi- 
ate victims of unhallowed injustice — rather will we doom 
our offspring to a premature death — rather will we all 
perish in the ruins of our country than remain the passive 
and obedient servants of a wicked and imbecile people 
who have plundered and murdered our Fathers, and 
chained to a car of despotism a long line of the legitimate 
descendants of Montazuma. 

Such appeals as this eventually aroused the dormant en- 
ergies of the Mexican people, and in 1 822 a national cong- 
ress convened in the City of Mexico, and at once establish- 
ed a limited monarchy independent of Spain. A regency 
was appointed to administer the executive department, 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 201) 

and unfortunately, Don Iturbide, a Spanish officer, was 
elected President of the council, and invested with the 
chief command in the army. The evil consequences 
of this procedure were soon made maniiest by dissentions 
between Congress and the regency, which grew with in- 
creased malignity and frustrated every measure promising 
the least permanent good. 

Iturbide, as cunning as he was base, mastered for a 
time the opposition ; and on the 1 8th of May, the silent 
stillness of night was bi-oken by a simultaneous peal of the 
seven hundread bells of the capital, and the shouts of the 
soldiery proclaimed Iturbide Emperor ; and on the follow- 
ing day this favorite of a mob was duly installed by a de • 
cree of the national Congress. Making use of a short in- 
tervening time to strengthen his party, the Emperor on 
the 31st of October following, turned this Congress out 
doors and vested the legislative power in a junto of his own 
choosing. General Victoria who had for some months, by 
order of the Emperor been incarcerated in a dungeon, now 
made his escape, and between hin-%Gen. Santa Anna and 
the expelled members of Congress, a coalition was formed 
for the very laudable purpose of deposing the Spanish 
tyrant. 

At this juncture, Santa Anna was in command of Vera 
Cruz ; and under the auspices of him and his confeder- 
ates, a plan of government was published, on the 6th of 
December, which was read with acclamation, and a large 
body of troops were soon marshalled under the banner 
of the patriots, and Santa Anna placed at their head. A 
severe but indecisive engagement soon came off, and on 
the next day the Iturbide army revolted against him and 
joined the Santa Anna forces. This event produced a 
short cessation of hostilities, and an agreement that Con- 
27 



210 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

gress should immediately convene, and both parties abide 
(he decisions of that body. 

Accordingly, on the 29th of March 1823, the members 
reassembled, and decreed that the Executive department 
sliould be administered by a body composed of three per- 
sons, and Nicholas Bravo, Gaudelope Victoria and Perdra 
Celesteno Negrette, vv^ere chosen to fill that department 
of the government. On the 8th of April, Congress decreed 
that all the acts of the Emperor Iturbide were illegal, 
and banished him on a pension of eight hundred dollars 
per year, on condition that he would reside in Italy and 
at no time return to Mexico. They further decreed that 
a new Congress should forthwith be elected to form a 
Constitution and organize the government anew. An 
election speedily took place, and the new Congress con- 
vened on the 15th of November, 1824, adopted the sys- 
tem of confederated States, and formed a Constitution 
similar to our own. The debates on this subject; -are 
full of interest, and elicited from many of the members 
an acute and creditable display of talent, indicative of 
much research and a profound knowledge of the govern- 
ments of other countries, as well as an intimate acquain- 
tance with the character, habits, and prejudices of the 
Mexican people. The Constitution, as it passed through 
all the departments of the government, was in substance 
a copy verbatim of that of the United States, with a sin- 
gle exception of one article which provided for the per- 
manent establishment of the Catholic rebgion ; and of 
course for the support of the clergy. This article has 
been the theme of many a sectarian tongue, and wheth- 
er this provision of the constitution was wise or expedi- 
ent, or whether it was best calculated to promote the in- 
terests, temporal and eternal, of the inhabitants of Mexico 
is a question which I will not venture to decide, notwith- 



HlS'I'Om^ OF TEXAS. 2i ' 

standing the almost unanimous opinion of my countrymen 
in favor of a total severance of cliurch and state. However 
much my early predilections may have influenced my feel- 
ings respecting religious toleration, and however well con- 
vinced I may be of the necessity of perfect freedom of 
forms of worship, in most countries, yet I am not entire- 
ly sure, but in such a population an Mexico possessed, le- 
gal enactments were necessary ; and the more so, when 
in strict conformity with the known wishes of perhaps 
ninety-nine out out of a hundred of the inhabitants. 

Again if we take a close review of passing events 
in other parts of the world, it will be difficult to perceive 
many unmixed benefits which have flown from the differ- 
ent modifications of religious rites and ceremonies ; and 
it is a grave and important question yet to be decided, 
what particular class of mankind are best qualified to dis- 
charge the functions of guides to salvation, when among 
the candidates for such favour there always has been 
Siich a diversity of opinion. 

Under all the circumstances, it is at least uncharitable 
to condemn the Mexicans for adopting such modes of wor- 
ship as was consonant with their notions of right, and it 
argues little in favor of any sect or denomination of 
Christians, to refuse that tolerafion to others which is 
claimed for themselves. I am aware that the expression 
of such sentiments is not well calculated to make any 
writer of the present day popular, but I am far from being 
sure that such will always be the case : and were I other- 
wise, I should still write as I think, believing as I do, that 
a mere caterer for the present appetite of the public, is a 
contemptible being, and with the time serving politician, 
IS eminently worthy of the most infamous inheritance. 
This subject will claim a further notice when I arrive at 
the period of hostilities in Texas, and my reader is now 



212 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

requested to take a further review of the progress of events 
immediately after the adoption of the constitution of 1824. 

There were those in Mexico who foresaw the danger 
of a sudden transition from regal despotism to the 
forms of the most perfect system of free government 
then in existence ; and those dangers they believed 
were greatly multiplied when the sum total of knowledge 
as diffused among the whole population, was duly consid- 
ered. These patriots had, during the pendancy of the 
debates on the Constitution, contended strenuously for a 
more undivided and energetic government as being best 
calculated, all things considered, to promote the objects 
in view ; but when overruled and outnumbered, they ad- 
heard to the republican creed, and gave proof of their 
sincerity by surrendering the Ex-Emperor Iturbide, who 
had returned from banishment to Mexico in the vain hope 
of regaining his power, under the auspices of the limited 
Monarchy. In this he was disappointed, and this wick- 
ed and unhappy man was forsaken by all parties, and by a 
decree of Congress condemned to die, and after a brief res- 
pite was executed at the town of Paddilla. 

As early as 1823, the nominal government of Mexico 
had turned its attention to the subject of Negro Slavery, 
and by a decree of Congress the further introduction of 
slaves mto every part of the Republic was prohibited ; this 
decree was easily evaded, particularly in the then province 
of Texas, and facts in the opinion of the Mexican Cong- 
ress justified them in promulgating a law in July 1825 
abolishing all future traffic in slaves and providing for the 
emancipation of all native born slaves at the age of four- 
teen years. Additional provisions for the abolition of the 
traffic in slavery were from time to time made, and as 
often evaded, until in 1829, a law was passed and prr. 
mulgated declaring all slaves in the Republic freemen. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 213 

i"iiis law wus not in contravention of any of the provis- 
ions of the Constitution of 1824, but was in furtherance of 
the principles upon which that instrument was based 
and in strict conformity of the genera) sense of the nation, 
who, after being long kept in limited slavery themselves) 
were unwilling to make perpetual slaves of others, or 
suffer it to be done by the emigrants to Texas. 

In order to a proper understanding of the part that the 
people of Texas acted in the Mexican Revolution, the at- 
tention of the reader is particularly invited to laear ifi 
mind the measures of the Mexican government respect 
ing slavery and religion, at so early a period of its exis- 
tence, and before the province of Texas had even thrown 
off the appearance of a wilderness ; and independent of 
the inhumanity of such traffic at first, such measures wer<s 
ere long imperiously called for in other respects, Texas 
having in a brief space of time become a kind of depot 
for malefactors, not only from the United States, but also 
from the West India Islands ; and to cap the whole, many 
a stolen Negro, and many a free one, had found masters 
in Texas in direct contravention of all the laws until 
the final decree of 1829. 

Again, few if any emigrants entered the country 
who were not aware of the connection between church 
and state ; and as this subject connected _^with slavery 
furnished pretexts for loud^ complaints, and exercised a 
mighty influence over the feelings of those abroad, it ie 
proper to observe here, that at the e'speeiai instance of 
the people of Texas, religious toleration was established 
by a law of Coahuila and Texas, in 1834, and by the med- 
iation of their Governor at an earlier period, a revocation 
of the decree of 1829 respecting slaves, was obtained so 
far as Texas was concerned. 

From 1B21 to '25 a desolating warfare had been waged 



214 HISTORY O '^ TFXVS 

between Spain and Mexico, although the nation had 
been torn by unhappy domestic dissensions, the Mexicans 
achieved a series of most brilliant victories over the com- 
mon enemy, and finally crushed every vestige of Span- 
ish authority. In this manly struggle for their ancient 
rights, much as the national glory was eclipsed by con- 
tending factions, the resistance to Spain dieted the sym- 
pathy and applause of surrounding nations ; and in 1825 
the Independence of the Mexican Republic was acknowl- 
edged by great Britain, the example having previously 
been set by the United States of the North. 

The frivolous and unmeaning titles of nobility whicii 
Spain had fastened upon the Mexicans, were in the early 
stages of their government abolished, and in 1830 both by 
the laws of Congress and of the State of Coahuila and 
Texas, an extention of time was allowed to those who 
were settling communities in Texas (known as Emprasa- 
rios) to fulfil their contracts which were about expiring 
by limitation. Although most of the grantees had shown 
an inexcusable slothfulness to comply with the stipulated 
conditions, yet inasmuch as their former labor and capital 
must be entirely lost unless indulgences were given, the 
government of Mexico manifesed a creditable share of 
magnanimity and forbearance when these indulgences 
were allowed, at a time y/hen her laws had been violated 
in regard to slavery, to religion, to revenue, and to land; 
and she was content with the promulgation of a law pro- 
hibiting the further introduction of North Americans after 
the stipulated quota of Emprasarios were complete- 
This prohibition excited in the United States a general 
feeling of hostility ; but it was in the absence of correct 
information on the subject ; and whether this measure of 
the Mexican government was politic or not, I believe she 
had cood reasons to adopt it, and by so doing, she had not vi- 



HISTORY OF lEXAS. 215 

olate .■luy existing engageiDcnt, having in her colonization 
laws of 1824 expressly reserved this right, should imperi- 
ous circiuiistances require it in regard to any particular 
nation. 

From 1 823 to '32 so much had the energies of the nation 
been paralized, and so much had she suffered from intes- 
tine commotions, that an overwhelming majority declar- 
ed for a modification of the Constitution of 1824, time 
having proved it wholly inadequate to the purpose of its 
adoption. The patriot and philanthropist had now- 
learned by bitter experience, that a nation who had for 
upwards of 300 years been accustomed to the legal sway 
of despotism, were not to be transformed, as if by magic 
into men suited to enjoy the privileges and bear the 
I'esponsibihties of a nation of freemen — that some system 
must be adopted to infuse into the government more 
life and energy, and prevent the people from continuing 
. the degraded tools of factious political aspirants — to 
prevent the people from destroying themselves. 

In support of this position, it is only necessary to take 
a brief review of the operations of contending factions from 
1825 to June 1832, the whole of which time insurrections 
were the order of the day commencing with the mob head- 
ed by Echavani and Hernandiz and ending with the con- 
tention between the rival Lodges of York' and Scotch 
Free Masons. The different factions exhausted almost 
every subject without deciding any, till at length the in- 
fluence of these rival masons was adroitly managed to 
strengthen two political parties, who extended their op- 
erations to a most fearful extent and desolated the fair 
plains of Mexico with a recklessness unparallelled in the 
liistory of civilized "warfare. The very genius of ma- 
lignity stalked through the land and left every where in 
his train, ruin, sorrow, tears, and death. 



216 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

A tremendous storm burst forth at Oiumba headed by 
the Vice President, Gen. Bravo, and Don Jose Mantano. 
who figured as the champions of a Royal Government, 
and Gen. Guerrero was placed in command of the Re- 
publicans, who derived the principal stiength from the 
York masons. After several desperate and bloody battles, 
the Royalists were overpowered and tli^ir commanders 
condemned to exile for life. This however, did not de- 
stroy tlie elements of the party, but they were content 
to decide the ne?ft contest with less dangerous weapons, 
and the Presidential election in September 1828 was 
characterized by fraud and every detestable subterfuge and 
Manuel Gomes Pedraza, tlie Royal candidate, was declared 
elected, by a majority of two votes over his competitor. 
The republicans believed they had been unfairly beaten 
and determined not to submit, and to put a stop to these 
useless scrambles for office, Santa Anna was placed 
m command of a large body of troops, who proclaimed 
Guerrero President. 

To arms* To arms I resounded from every quarter, and 
war in its most terrific fury now raged, untamed, through 
the land. Gen. Santa Anna, Gen. Sobulo and Guerrero 
displayed the vitmost coolness and courage ; and after shed- 
ding seas of blood, vanquished the royalists. The com- 
mander, Pedraza, fied, renounced his claims to the Presiden- 
cy, and in the following January, (1829) another election 
was had, when Guerrero was declared President, Busta- 
inente, "Vice President, and Santa Anna, Secretary of War. 

In July, a body cf 4000 troops from Havana landed 
at Tampico with the avowed intention of settling the Mexi- 
can differences ; but Santa Anna was yet in command of 
the army who musterexl them in two months, and compell- 
ed their surrender on the 10th day of September. A 
short cessation, and like a mighty ocean, where calm pre- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 217 

cedes a storm, and the messengers of death were again 
vomiting forth their thunders. Guerrero had been de- 
clared Dictator, and the Vice President, Bustamente, took 
the field against him. After several severe conflicts, 
Guerrero retired to Valladolid and established for a time 
a form of Government to suit the views of his adherants, 
in opposition to Bustamente, who had been elected Presi- 
dent ; thus by party strifes producing tw5 distinct govern- 
ments, both of which however were short lived, and Guer- 
rero was captured by his enemies and put to death. 

Santa Anna was now deservedly the favorate of the 
nation, uniting in himself sufficient of the ingredients of 
Royalty and Republicanism (a mediam between two ex- 
trems) and having given abundant proofs of consummate 
ability and courage, the prudent and patriotic unanimous- 
ly gave him their confidence and elevated him to the Presi- 
dency. 

Under the prompt but prudent administration of Santa 
Anna, the government of Mexico appeared to be approach- 
ing something like stability, until about the 1st of January, 
1835, when Congress convened, and before despatching 
much public business, their attention was suddenly arrest- 
ed by the movements of a most formidable enemy in the 
person of Alvarez, Governor of Zacatecas. This gentle- 
man had drawn around him the remnants of all the discom- 
fited factions, and was well provided with all the necessa- 
ry sinews of war, but Santa Anna soon bearded the 
lion in his den, carrying every where death and destruc- 
tion, and before the end of May, had defeated Alvarez, 
Guerrero and General Victoria, and completely extinguish- 
ed the elements of discord in every part of the Republic 
except Texas, and she will now be brought upon the stage 
to finish the tragedy. 
28 



218 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

No former period in the history of the Republic was 
so propitious for permanent peace as this; and no people 
certainly had battled more heroically for their birth rights 
or surmounted more obstinate difilcultics in their march 
to freedom than had beset the path of the Mexicans for 
fourteen years. They were now about to enjoy the fruil 
of their toils, to feel a glow of manly pride ; in remem- 
brance of the Spartan valor displayed by their compatri- 
ots in arms, whose lives had been made a willing sacritice 
on the altar of their country's emancipation, and to repose 
in peace and security under the guardianship of those 
who had braved the flood in its wildest fury and had rode 
out the storm. 

But hark! The clangor of again resounding arms is 
heard, again and again the discordant notes grate upon 
the ear, borne listlessly upon the breeze at first, but gradually 
swelling into tumult and strife, until bursting into a tor- 
nado, the field of carnage so painfully familiar to vetrans 
is realized ; the groans of the dying are heard and the 
slain in promiscuous and awful confusion are seen, when ?jl 
is again hushed in silence. 'Tis from the plains of Texas. 
Goliad and San Antonia are red with human blood; the 
blood of those who had protected the infant colony from 
the tomahawk and scalping knife, is shed by the hands of 
the adopted but spoiled children of Mexico. 

How came these adopted children in Mexico? We shall 
see. Early in 1821, and about the time that the Mexican 
patriots struck the first blow for freedom, Stephen F. 
Austin, a native of the state of Connecticut, appeared on 
the Brassoa River, in Texas, to fulfill and carry out a con- 
tract in accordance with the last w'ill and testament of 
bis deceased father, who had from the government of Spain 
obtained a grant for a large body of fertile land contigu- 
ous to the Brassos River. On his application to the Mex- 



HISTORY OF TFXAS 219 

ican government, this grant was confirmed and enlarged 
and under the most liberal provisions of Congress, the 
germ of a nation was nurtured and warmed into life and 
activity. 

Having planted the first colony, and being a man of 
uncommon fidelity and enterprise, his intercourse witii 
the government was for many years marked by a scrupu- 
lous regard for the settlers and a rigid compliance with 
liis engagements, and he received in return the unlimited 
confidence of the Emigrants as well as the different offi- 
cers of the government, from whom he could obtain any 
favour which it was in their power to confer. 

Glad would I be if I could say as much for other Em- 
orasarios ; and happy would it have been for the Mexican 
Government and many emigrants to Texas, if even a por- 
tion of the probity and honor which influenced Austin's 
conduct could have been transferred to those who obtained 
liberal grants of land at a subsequent period. 

But the career of General Austin in Texas is a singu- 
ar affair, and I bespeak the impartial attention of the 
'eader while I narrate the progress of events at this stage 
of the settlement of the country, and the part that 
the Mexican government and the prominent colonists and 
others have acted from that day to this. 

The valuable domain obtained by Austin, and the pro- 
mulgation of the Colonization laws of Mexico, excited the 
cupidity of a great many speculators in the United States, 
and in pursuance of the decrees of the Mexican Congress 
and the acts of the Legislature of Coahuila and Texas 
numerous grants were obtained on condition of a strict 
compliance with the letter and spirit of those laws. The 
Mexican government had viewed with astonishment the 
.apid increase of population in the United Sates, and were 
10 doubt influenced in their acts by a desire to offer su- 



220 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

perior inducements for emigrants by giving them at once 
an interest in the soil ; and all who applied, whether com- 
panies or individuals, obtained without other charge than 
surveying and patenting land in proportion to their wants 
and their means of populating the same. 

In addition to this bounty of land, Emigrants to Texas 
were exempted from taxes and relieved from most other 
duties imposed upon all other citizens of Mexico. The 
federal law o^ 1 824 pi'ovided that no tax whatever should 
be levid upon Emigrants to the country, and by the laws 
of Coahuila and Texas, this privilege was conhrmed and 
extended to 1 840, and subsequently by a law of the Mexi- 
can congress unless imprerious circumstances should re- 
quire the prohibition of emigrants from any particular na- 
tion. 

By the Imperial Colonization law of 1 823, the federal 
law of 1824, and by the Constitution and laws of the 
State of Coahuila and Texas, the rights and duties of the 
Colonists were clearly defind. Their rights and privileges 
were numerous, and among these it will be suflicient to 
mention the privilege of introducing at the time of their 
emigration to the country, implements of industry, includ- 
ing machinery, furniture and $2000 worth of merchandise 
for sole, duty free, with a perpetual guarantee of security 
of person and property. The true meaning and intent of 
this last clause has been much censured ; but it should be 
remembered that the Mexican government borrowed from 
high authority the right of protecting the friendless, and that 
this policy as yet pursued under the government of Texas 
is quite as proper as at any former period of the world. 

A small quotation from the 22nd Chapter of Samuel 
presents a case in point, and for that reason is inserted 
here. "David therefore departed thence, and escaped to 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 221 

the cave of Adulluni, and when his brethren and all his 
father's house heard it, they went down thitherto him." 

"And every one that w^as in distress, and every one that 
was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gather- 
ed themselves unto him, and he became a Caplian over 
them, and there were with him about four hundred men/' 

In pursuance of law, Robinson, DeWitt, Burnet, Ed- 
wards, Milam, Zavalla and others, obtained grants for 
large bodies of land for the ostensible purpose of coloniz- 
ina- the countv; and had their contracts been fulfilled, the 
Mexican, government would have been content, the set- 
tlers would very generally have become independant, and 
the grantees would have been in law^ful possession of such 
domains as would have enriched them. 

On the part of the grantees it was stipulated that they 
would introduce and locate in the country a definate num- 
ber of families each ; that these families should princi- 
pally be from the State of Louisiana, and all of them of 
the Catholic faith ; that they would support the Catholic 
religion, and especially rear children in the faith of that 
Church, and teach them the Spanish language, and make 
ample provision for building churches and endown'ng and 
supporting good schools. 

These conditions are worthy of especial notice, afford- 
ing as they do, abundant evidence that the Government 
of Mexico was alive to what they supposed w'ould be the 
interest and happiness of the colonists, and wished to 
rear up a wealthy, enlightened and free community, whose 
feelings would be in harmony with her own ; exacting 
nothing in return but obedience to the laws, and that com- 
mon gratitude, which is supposed to flow spontanously 
from most of mankind, when in receipt of extraordinary 
bounties. 

Failing to comply with the stipulated conditions upon 



222 I]!S'1'0T?Y OF TEXAS. 

which these large grants of land had been obtained, the 
Mexican government was beset on one hand by the indi- 
vidual colonists, who justly complained of the want of 
good faith in the Emprasarios, and these in turn besought 
the government for an extension of time to fulfill their 
contracts with the government, as well as the different 
individuals whom they had allured into the country, and 
now sought in every possible way to defraud of their 
quota of land, in entire disregard of the most solemn 
compact both with these individual emigrants and the 
government of the country. 

In repeated instances the indulgences asked were grant- 
ed ; and it was not until 1827 that the Mexican authori- 
ties discovered a viper in their bosom, whose poisoned 
fangs were to lacerate them at the first moment when 
this could be done with impunity ; and it is believed that 
we are to look to the unsettled state of the government 
and alternate triumph of parties for a solution of an other- 
wise most impolitic policy which went the whole extent 
for a time of encouraging sedition, by granting as fast as 
desired almost every thing these adopted citizens required 
at their hands. 

The following lines which I have somewhere seen ap- 
j)lied to Kidd, a celebrated Pirate, and circumstances in 
Texas render them not inappropriate to persons there, 
and particularly so in respect to two of the Emprasarios 
(Edwards and Zavalla.) 

There is many a one who oft has heard the name of Robert Kidd, 
Who cannot tell perhaps a word of him, or what he did ; 

I And though I never saw the man, I lived in his day, 

r And I'll tell you how his guilt began. 

And to what it led the way. 

From the earliest American settlement m Texas, garri- 
sons were kept up and supported by the Mexican govern- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 223 

ment from her own troops, to preserve the lives and pro- 
perty of the colonists without any expense whatever to 
the settlers, and between the soldiers and citizens all was 
harmony until the unhappy affair of 1 827, at Nacogdoches, 
growing out of the dishonourable conduct of Edwards, 
one of the Emprasarios, for colonizing the country. This 
afllair created a great sensation in Mexico ; and it was 
a current rumour, that many citizens of the United States 
were deeply involved in setting on foot an enterprize for 
the subjugation of the Mexican Republic ; and without 
being in possession of such conclusive proof as would au- 
thorize me to endorse this rumor I am yet of the opinion 
from certain facts, that it contained much more truth than 
poetry. At all events the conduct of Edwards w-as re- 
{irehensable in the extreme, and must be so considered by 
every mind which is not entirely lost to every sense of 
moral honesty. 

Edwards had obtained a grant for a large body of land 
on precisely the same terms as explained in the foregoing 
summary *of the colonization laws ; and without perform- 
ing a single act contemplated by the government, issued 
land scrip and sold it to any and every person who would 
buy. The purchasers were numerous, and eventually de- 
lected the fraud, and very properly petitioned the gov- 
ernment for redress, at the same time giving the informa- 
tion that the troops in garrison might be wanted to put 
down a strong party that Edwards was supposed to be 
the leader of. 

It is proper to state here, that no Emprasario's title was 
inijomplete for any part of a grant until one hundred fami- 
lies were located on the same, and every hundred entitled 
the proprietor to an additional quantity of land ; but no 
parts of one hundred could di'aw land from the Empi'asa- 
rios, nor could he for them obtain it from the government 



224 HISTORY OF TEXAli. 

until the even nundred was complete. When this was 
done, any of the parties could transfer their lands to citi- 
zens but not to aliens ; and whenever this has been at- 
tennpted it was not only a fraud upon the government but 
also upon those who were made to believe such titles were 
good. 

In the case of Edwards, the grant was of course revok- 
ed and he being countenanced somewhere he raised the 
standard of revolt, and soon rallied around it a consider- 
able force, principally Americans and Indians ; but the 
approach of a detachment of the Mexican Army cooled 
their courage, Edwards fled from the country and his 
forces dispersed without firing a gun. 

In order to a proper understanding of the passing 
events of the day, it should be constantly borne in mind, 
that civil war with all its horrors was now raging in Mexi- 
co, but not in any way detremental to the interests of the 
Texans, they being entirely exempt from all participation 
in the party strifes, and were relieved from contributing 
in any way towards the support of either. Far remov- 
ed from the scene of conflict, they were permitted under 
each dominant party in turn to pursue their avocations in 
peace and tranquility and under this benevolent system 
they were fast subduing the wilds and making them blossom 
as the rose. Cultivated fields teeming with bountiful har- 
vests were richly rewarding the labors of the colonists, and 
every commodity found a ready market at a liigh price 
by the increased demands growing out of the troubles in 
other parts of Mexico. 

Nothing important perplexed the mass of the settlers, 
but the exactions and general disregard of their obliga- 
tions by the Emprasarios, and of their happy situation many^ 
of the settlers seem to have been well aware. Many 
of them had, in the language of the lamented Wirt, when 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 2^ 

speaking of Blaniierhassett, fled from the storms of their 
own country, to find quiet in another — were grateful for 
the liberal boon bestowed on them by the Mexican gov- 
ernment and were statisfied, but somewhere there was an 
invisible power beyond the throne: which, like an evil 
genius, delighting in troubled water, was concocting 
schemes of conquest — fame — laild— lucre and blood — and 
this Argus-eyed and evil demon, like Satan of old, was 
pointing to all the surrounding country, and conjuring uji 
temptations which man — weak, fallible n^an, can seldom 
withstand. It was soon perceived and v>'ell understood 
at the Capitol, that there was a party in Texas connected 
with those who had no claims upon the government, 
who were becoming restivd, and only waited for a plausi- 
ble pretext to seize the reiris of government, and with 
tliem the public treasure and domain ; and they well 
knew- that the adventure of Edwards was only a spark 
escaping from a smothered fire, which they vainly sought 
to extinguish by kindness, and by depriving the disaffect- 
ed of all probable means of exciting in their favour sym- 
pathies abroad, upon which it was correctly supposed in 
any emergency they would mainly rely. 

Motives of policy then, as well as humanity, doubtless 
di<itated nieasiires respecting Texas ; for it is not to be 
supposed that the different Mexican authdrities were sn 
pure as to decline all modes of retaliation ; but the circum- 
stances and energies of public affairs suggested the ex- 
pediency of conciliating the growing discontents in Texas : 
and accordingly, almost every imaginary grievance was 
removed almost a^ soon as made known. 
' This compelled the revolutionists to work by stealth. 
which they did successfully ; first by a complete organi-^ 
zation of the elements of discord in the country, and 
29 



226 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

these bodies had their appointed places to rendezvous, and 
in secret conclave interchange opinions while the rest of 
the inhabitants were asleep, and each man went forth 
from tliese meetings with his particular duties to perform: 
and while some dealt out in broken doses the nauseous 
drug of strife and contention at home, others were ap- 
pointed to wholesale the commodities of the joint compa- 
ny in diflerent parts of the United States, and make re- 
turns of what particular articles were in demand. The 
decrees respecting slavery, and particularly that of 1829, 
together with the pretended bui'dens of the Catholic Reli- 
gion, were found to be subjects upon which there was but 
little diversity of opinion, in a country like ours. And 
when this was fairly ascertained, the next opposition to 
the Mexican government was disclosed in the shape of an 
humble petition, which if translated into its true intent 
and meaning, would run about as follows: 

We, your most dutiful and loving citizens, being too 
proud to work, and too parsimonious to hire, do most 
earnestly request that we may be permitted to kidnap 
and enslave for life, others; and we would prefer the 
privilege of owning those of a different colour from our- 
selves, to the end that gentlemen may be distinguished 
from those in servitude by appearance, that none can 
mistake who possess the gift of sight, viz: we want ne- 
groes, and as for the blind who cannot see us, we care 
nothing about them. Now as good citizens and descen- 
dants of those who hate the sight of a negro as much as 
they do a Catholic Priest, we will take the liberty of sta- 
ting that if you do not allow us the privilege of holding 
in perpetual bondage the offspring of these African de- 
scendants of Cain — and further if you do not allow us 
liberty of worshipping our Creator agreerable to the dic- 
tates of aur most tender consciences, we will at least have 



H18'l(il;\ ( F 'iEXAS. 227- 

tvvo pretexts for rebellion, our solemn oaths to the contra- 
ry notwithstanding. This petition was answered by a 
revocation of the decree of 1829, and at last one of the 
most fruitful pretexts removed. 

The reader should here be reminded, that there is no 
analogy between the legality of slave-holding in the Uni- 
ted States and Texas. All the slaves that were introduc- 
ed into the country previous to 1829, or at any rate be- 
tween '23 and '29, were imported in contravention of 
law ; the Mexican government in the first stages of its 
existence having discountenanced the system, which is 
plain from the decree of 1 823, and made doubly plain by the 
laws of 1827, and '29, afterwards ; which last to answer 
the end in view, was absolutely necessary, all the former 
laws on the subject having been evaded and treated with 
contemptuous ridicule. 

Whatever then may be said in favor of the toleration 
of slavery in the United States, such pretexts are palpa- 
bly untenable in defence of Texas. The Mexican gov- 
ernment certainly did possess the most clear and undenia- 
ble right to refuse to sin in the outset, while the only 
question in the United States should be respecting the 
most expedient measures to rid us of an evil entailed by 
our ancestors before the birth day of our Independence 
as a nation ; and of course, long before the birth of the 
present national government, whose powers were deriv- 
ed from slave holding as well as non-slaveholding states, 
many of whom now deny the right of the general govern- 
ment all legislation respecting their local or domestic in- 
stitutions. 

Whether this interpretation of the relative powers of the 
general and State governments will in the least promote 
the interests of the whole, is a question which time will 
decide ; but had I the power and necessary influence, I 



238 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

would decide it now, fearing, as I do, that these conflict- 
ing jurisdictions may some day work out mischief for my 
native and beloved country — 

We are not *orSt at once— the course of evil , 
I?egin3 80 slow, and from such small cause, 
An infant's hand might arrest it ; 
But let the stream get deeper— and philosophy; 
Aye, and religion too, willoften strive in vain, 
To turn the headlong torrent. 

It has been shown that the Mexican government at an 
early period of her history, when framing laws expressly 
to facilitate the settlement of the then province of Texas, 
reserved to herself the right to prohibit, at any future pe* 
riodj the introduction of the citizens or subjects of any 
foreigil country ; and this right was exercised on the 6th 
of April, 1830, declaring the further emigration to Texas 
of what she called North Americans, unlawful, after the 
quotas stipulated by the Emprasarios were full. What* 
ever may be said of the inhospitality of such law, and 
however much it may resemble an invitation from a neigh- 
bor to stay at home and not intrude into his sanctum, 
none can certainly deny, that the Mexican republic, as 
well as a private individual, possessed the right of choos- 
ing her messmates ; and when disagreeable company was 
expected, to decide between the alternatives of expelling 
such from her domain, or sending them a complementary 
card to stay where they were. 

This position being altogether tenable, the only veme^ 
dy was, as is usual in similar cases, to fly into a pet and 
call the exercise of an undoubted right a down right af- 
front ; and then without any impartial reflection on the 
subject^ proceed to seek immediate redress^ or what is 
infinitely worse, cherish a deadly hostility while waiting 
for an opportunity to strike a blow that will without 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 229 

much ris'k of life or limb fully gratify every feeli//g of an 
ungenerous revenge. 

I own it is mortifying to the manly pride of an Ameri- 
can, to be told that he or his fellow citizens are unwel- 
come guests at any board ; but the same honorable im- 
pulse of feeling should teach him, that in national, as well 
as individual cases, there may be weighty reasons for 
avoiding a close communion with particular persons, and 
that each may, without just causes of oflence to any, 
select such guests as are agreeable to themselves. 

But what can be said in favor of those who in con- 
tempt of the common courtesies of life, intrude upon the 
hospitalities of others, and then forsooth seize upon prop- 
erty to which they have not the colour of a claim, and 
attempt to dispossess the occupants, and degrade them in 
tlie eyes of all the rest of the world. 

That such or similar occurrance, did actually transpire 
ni Texas, is indeed a very disagreeable truth ; but that 
any large portion of the inhabitants are now, or have been, 
at any previous time, composed of such characters, is un- 
true ; and the whole of this species of conduct may be 
traced to a combination of land speculators and smugglers 
of merchandise and negroes who did not scruple to allure 
ifrnorant and well meaning men into the country, for the 
express purpose of aiding them in evading the constitu- 
tion and laws they had sworn to support ; and eventual- 
ly to take forcible possession of a country whose govern- 
ment had bestowed on them a home where many had 
found wealth and an asylum in time of extreme need. 

In support of these assertions, I will now adduce the 
proof : 



230 HISTORY O ^ TEXAS 

Extract from a ■petition numerously signed and forward 
ed to the City of Mexico in 1832, having for its object 
the organization of a separate State Government for 
Texas. {See public documents in the Department of 
State.) 

Our misfortunes pervade the whole country, operate 
upon the whole population, and are as diversified in char- 
acter as our public interests and necessities are vari- 
ous ; and we are perfectly sensible that a portion of" our 
population, composed of Anglo Americans, have been 
greatly calumniated before the Mexican government ; our 
grievences do not so much result from any positive mis- 
feasance on the-part of the state authorities, as from the 
absence of those influences which are necessary to fulfill 
the ends of society. But independent of these general 
tmths there are some impressive reasons why the peace 
and happiness of Texas demand a local government. Con- 
stituting a remote frontier of the Mexican Republic, and 
bordering on a powerful nation, whose population in jux- 
taposition to ours, is notoriously profligate and lawless, 
we require in a peculiar sense, the application of such 
laws as are necessary, not only for the preservation of 
good order, the protection of property, £md the redress 
of personal wrongs ; but also, such as are essential to 
the prevention of illicit commerce — to the security of 
public revenues, and to the avoidance of collision with 
the authorities of our neighboring Republic of the United 
States. 

Americans who had entered the country m contraven- 
tion of the federal law of the 6th of April, 1830, and 
were claiming and surveying land as Emigrants, without 
possessing the shadow of a title, but who, under the 



HISTORY OF lEXAS. 231 

guidance of such of the Emprasarios as Lorenzo De 
Valla and others, were acting in total disregard and con- 
tempt of law and right ; were arrested and seven of them 
imprisoned with their self-created land commis^oner, by 
order of Colonel Bradburn, commandant at Anahuac. 
This gentleman had been long stationed in the country 
and was a close observer of passing events ; and the gov- 
ernment reposing entire confidence in him, clothed him 
with powers, which, under different circumstances, 
would have been improper ; but in the actual condition ' 
of things, was rendered necessary, and as is too often 
the case, he perhaps did on some occasions exercise his 
authority with a severity and uncharitable feeling that 
reflects no credit upon him, either as a public officer or as 
a man. 

I believe that no man or set of men are always precise- 
ly right or strictly wrong ; and all experience proves, that in 
times of political excitement, all parties are apt to reach 
extremesj and in order to show the evil effects of such 
inconsiderate proceedings, it will be sufficient for the pre- 
sent, to allude to a high handed measure of this Mexican 
officer, which excited the general indignation of the in- 
habitants of Texas, and rendered the doings of the war 
party extremely plausible. 

He had detected a treasonable correspondence between 
certain of the Emprasarios and the Aynutamientos of Lib- 
erty and in place of resorting to the civil authorities he sent 
files of Mexican soldiers to arrest the members, as well as a 
gano- of smugglers, and those citizens of the United States 
who were illegally surveying the Mexican lands : these 
two last description of offenders, were secured and im- 
prisoned in the fort at Anahuac, and the leading members 
of the Avnutamientos made good their escape, and retired 
lo Austin's colony for protection. Again he assumed the 



232 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

authority of annulling the proceedings of this corpo- 
rate body of citizens, and on an attempt by the inhabi- 
tants of the department of Liberty to hold a new elec- 
tion, he dispersed the electors at the point of the bayo- 
net. 

Of this species of military despotism, the good citizens 
of Texas had much right to coniplain, and the sympathy 
thus excited in favor of otherwise crii^iinal inhabitants 
and foreigners, became so general^ that for a time their 
wrongs were lost sight of; all eyes being turned towards 
the illegal conduct of Bradburn, being as it certainly was, 
what no American citizen, who deserves the name, will 
ever tamely submit to. 

Here were fine materials on v/hich the Emprasarios 
through their committees of vigilance and correspondence 
could operate, aad accordingly on the 26th of June, 1 832, 
ii promiscuous assemblage of citizens appeared before 
Auahuac, made an unexpected attack upon the garrison 
and liberated all the prisoners and retired peaceably to 
their homes. According to a concerted arrangement the 
war materials had been cor^cei:^trated at two other points, 
with an inteutiori of expelling the Mexican troops frwn 
the country w^hile the popular feeling was against them ; 
and the attacks on Velasco and Nacogdoches v/ere most 
bloody. At Velasco bo.th parties fqught with determined 
falour, and the Mexican garrison compelled to surrender 
;fter losing more than half their men. The white flag 
fluttered in the breeze from the ramparts ; the Texans 
were about to enter the fort in triumph, when at th"s crit- 
ical moment, the gallant Mexican cammn-nder, Ugan- 
teachea, infused renewed courage through his little band 
who renewed the action with redoubled vigour, when Ug- 
anteachea, with a courage bordering on rashness, ascended 
the wall grasping the f\ag stafl'and tearing the white crn 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. ?33 

blem of peace into a thousand pieces, he finnly planted 
the Mexican banner and stood unprotected while shouting 
victory or death to Jn's followers. The Texans ceased 
tiring ; a\ye and astonishment vibrated througli their 
frames ; their national character, as native Americans, 
resumed its sway, and in respect for a hero, they re- 
tired frorn the garrison, which might have been theirs, 
had the contest been prolonged. At Nacogdoches 
the Texans were more successful. Although Pedras, the 
copimandant at that post, battled manfully for foi^r hours 
against double his force, losing 20 men killed, and 30 
wounded, while killing IG and wounding 4 of the assail- 
ants, his ammunition was at lepgth exhausted, aiid he was 
compelled to surrender. 

The news of these disturbances was soon in Mexico, 
and Gen. Santa Anna, now in the ascendant, despatched 
Col. Mexia to the seat of war, with five vessels and four 
liundred men to quell the insurrection. This squadron 
sailed from Brassos Santiago on the 13th of July, and 
anchored off the Brassos river in Texas oii the 16th, and 
on the 17th Col. Mexia addressed an official letter to the 
Alcalde (Jno. Austin) acquainting him with the object of 
his visit and requested an explanation of recent events 
in writing, vvithout unnecessary delay. This vyas prompt- 
ly furnished and was doubtless written under the supervi- 
sion of Gen. Austin, who, while at Montclovia, as the 
Texan representative in the State legislature, had receiv- 
ed intellige4Ge re§pecti}ig the ferment and consequent 
battles, and had now returned to his home on board of 
Col. Mexia's ship, for the express purpose of effectinf^ 
some amicable settlement of the whole allair. Gen. 
Austin had complied most scrupulously with his engage- 
ple^t, both with the government and people, and had uni- 
30 



234 HISTORY <>F TKXAS. 

formly discountenanced the machinations of other Emprasa- 
rios anddeprecated a rupture with the government as the 
greatest calamity ; and he now assumed the friendly of- 
fice of mediator between the contending parties ; and of 
the manner the difficulty was met, the following extracts 
from the Alcalde's answer, and resolutions drawn up and 
passed at a public meeting at Brassoria will be suffi.- 
cient. 

Extract from the Alcalde's ansioer to Col. Mexia. 

The cause, of the present disturbances are plain to every 
person who resides in Texas, or is informed of the events 
that have transpired here since the year 1 830 ; but as those 
causes have never been laid before the Mexican people, it 
is necessary and proper that it should now be done, in 
mitigation of the course taken by a portion of the inhab- 
itants, and as also explanatory of the reasons that im- 
pel the inhabitants of this colony to adhere to the plan 
of Vera Cruz, of which General Santa Anna is the au- 
thor. 

Col. Bradburn in the month of May last, imprisoned seven 
persons, who claimed the rights of citizens, and at- 
tempted to arrest Geo. M. Patrick, the first Rigador and 
acting Alcalde of Anahuac, and James Lindsey and an- 
other Rigador of that Liberty, who in consequence left 
these respective places and fled to Austin's colony for pro- 
tection. These acts of despotism occurring when a party 
in Texas were longing for new opportunities to excite 
hatred against all the Mexican authorities, added to the 
abusive language in which Col. Bradburn indulges towards 
the citizens generally, exhausted the patience of a num- 
ber who took up arms and marched to Anahuac to retu'n 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 235 

all prisoners whom Bradburn had confined. Such were 
the causes and the only ones which produced the attacks 
1:0m plained of. 

Extracts from a prea?7ible and resolutions adopted at a pub- 
lic meeting of citizens and soldiers at Brassoria, on the 
\8fh of July, 1832. 

On the 6 th of January, the heroic city of Vera Cruz 
pronounced in favor of the distinguished patriot, Gen. 
Don Lopez De Santa Anna, and we being convinced that 
the last hope of liberty and the principles of the repre- 
sentative democratic federal system depend on the success 
of the liberal party of which Santa Anna is the leader, 
the citizens and soldiers present, unanimously adhere 
to the plan of Vera Cruz and adopt the following resolu- 
tions. 

Resolved, That we view with feelings of the deepest in- 
terest and solicitude, the firm and manly resistance which is 
made by the highly talented and distinguished chieftain, 
Gen. Santa Anna, to the numberless encroachments and 
infractions which have been made by the present admin- 
istration (Bustamente) upon the Constitution and laws df 
our adopted and beloved country. 

Resolved, That as freemen devoted to a correct inter- 
pretation and enforcement of the Constitution and laws 
according to their true spirit, we pledge our lives and for- 
tunes in support of the same, and of the distinguished 
leader who is now fighting so gallantly in defence of 
civil liberty. 

Resolved, That the people of Texas be invited to co- 
operate with us in support of the principles incorporated 
in support of the foregoing, and that it was the Santa 
Anna forces, and not a faction of rebels that have battled 



236 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

against military dispotism in this part of the Mexican Re- 
pubhc. 

It is somewhat amusing to perceive with what tact and 
facihty the war party (aided as they were on this occa- 
sion by those sincerely desirous of peace) availed them- 
selves *-f a fortunate movement at Vera Cruz, and other 
parts of Mexico, by shouting hosannas to Santa Anna ; 
and as a proof of the cause of tliis and tlie insincerity 
of many of those who had so recently butchered the 
Mexican soldiers^ events of rapid occurrance afterwards 
afford abundant evidence. 

The fact is, a favorable opportunity for attack had oc- 
curred before arrangements for such purpose were com- 
plete, and not being sustained by public opinion after the 
liberation of the prisoners ipcarcerated by the would-be 
despot, Bradburn, the war party very prudently went with 
the current on the arrival of Col. Mexa, and gladly gave 
in their adhesion for a time to the rising sun of their 
distingushcd Don Lopez De Santa Anna^ who was soon to 
be branded with every epithet which falsehood and malig- 
nity could invent. 

When the Mexican fleet stared them in the face, the 
Texans for war remembered that on their way to 
the imaginary temple of their own creation a dark thick 
grove had been penetrated which was consecrated to a 
deity known by the name of Treason, and after arriving ai 
the gate, their eyes rested on an ins^'iption signifying 
this to be the door of Pnrjury. Again they were greeted 
with several figures: these were Sedition, with a trumpet in 
her hand, and Rapine in the garb of a hunter. Ambition, 
Env}-, and Disgrace were all represented under proper 
emblems ; and last in the group a statue was observed 
which was known by the numn oi Humor. This was ap- 
parently whispering to a little dv/arf uf an i'liot, the very 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 237 

personification of credulity and laction, but the most starts 
ling of all was an inscription on the temple itself which 
lold plainly of the unhappy condition of those who were 
guilty of the complicated crimes enumerated around. In 
this critical situation they now found themselves, and lost 
no time in heeding to wiser counsels, and thus extricat- 
ed themselves from impending ruin by receiving the 
olive branch obtained by the influence, and passed to 
them through the hands of Gen. Stephen F. Austin* 

A physician makes use Of various methods for the re- 
covery of sick persons ; and though some of them are 
painful, and all of them disagreeable, his patients are sel- 
dom angry, because they know that he has nothing in 
view besides restoring them to a sound state of health* 
So far from indulging in unkind feeling towards those who 
iiavG! devoted time and money to mitigate the sufferings 
which flesh is heir to, it would seem to be but common 
justice to award to all such persons the meed of unquali- 
fied praise ; and if any thing has been written in the 
foregoing pages which savors of a nauseous drug, the 
charitable reader will attribute it to the proper cause; 
to a desire to state facts for the benefit of others; to 
prevent in future, as well as to cure disease, in matters 
which if not of equal importance, are nearly allied to the 
health of the body. 

I am not conscious of having stated or omitted any 
fact relating to the subject of this work which could 
convey to the reader a more definate idea of the past 
and present history of the country, arid it tet remains to 
be shown how, and by what system of continued poli- 
cy the Mexican republic has been dismembered of 
part of a state, and the government of Texas called into 
being. 

The succeeding pages then, will, with the same im- 



238 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

partiality as the foregoing, deal in so!)er truths. The 
author proposing little to himself, the instruction and 
happiness of his readers, with the conviction that he has 
performed bis duty, being the aim and end of all his en- 
deavors. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 289 



CHAPTER XIII. 



While the events narrated in the foregoing chapter were 
passing, the sympathies of the people of the United States 
were most pathetically appealed to, and clandestine prep- 
arations were already making to aid the war party in Tex- 
as, who were held up as a priest-ridden — persecuted — ill- 
fated set of Americans, whom the treachery of the Mex- 
ican government had involved in much misery. The un- 
happy party strifes in Mexico furnished a first rate pretext 
iO talk of a separation, and those unacquainted with the 
ictual condition of affairs, naturally enough supposed that 
1 government constantly engaged in party conflicts affor- 
ded no protection to the citizen disposed to peace ; forget- 
ting that these conflicts were the offspring of the tremen- 
dous battlings for freedom by a nation who never could 
have purchased her liberty at a smaller price. 

Such generous sentiments animated thus early the bo- 
soms of thousands of our people, and all pains were taken 
by the wire workers in Texas to prevent the dissemina- 
tion of correct information, and such as we did get was 
concocted within the gloomy walls that enclosed their 
committees of correspondence, who manufactured and ven- 
ded just such commodities as suited their own selfish pur- 
poses. Now, however, when a premature blow had been 



f »><' HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

siaick, the smnll success which attended the revokitiouists 
had damped their ardour, and time was required to strength- 
en their forces before any new enterprise could be under- 
taken with the smallest hopes of success. 

To suppose that any party in power in Mexico would 
uniformly be governed by wisdom and justice would argue 
a degree of credulity and ignorance from which I trust I 
am exempt ; but to suppose that any of the alternate au- 
thorities would wontonly have harassed the people of 
Texas, is the greatest absurdity ; and that the law of the 
6th of April, 1830, was passed to prevent the accumula- 
tion of war-like materials, and the introduction of smug- 
gled goods, the history of the times as well as subsequent 
events abundantly prove. Indeed, none can be so pro- 
foundly igilorant as to suppose that the governuient of 
Mexico, had enacted such laws out of mere caprice at any 
time; and much l^ss, when the elemants of strife were rife 
m the land, and a small fire-brand from such a source cer 
tain tolightupa blaze in Texas which had long been kuid- 
ling, and now only needed fuel to send forth a flame. 

Equally unjust would it be to charge the whole pupula- 
lion, or even a majority of the Texans with treasonable 
designs; on the contrary, a large and respectable portion 
of the inhabitants discountenanced, from first to last, eve- 
ry attempt to involve that part of the Mexican confedra- 
cy in collision with the general government, and during 
many years these displayed a moral cdurage, a reverence 
ibr consistency, arid a piatriotic devotion for the perma- 
nent good of the whole, that reflects the highest honor on 
their names, and ought to immortalize them. 

But when it is remembered that almost the very first 
American emigrants found the Mexicans heroically con- 
tending for freedom — that Americans anu others in a 
ceaseless tide of emigration continued to pour into Texa 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 241 

with a full knowledge of the connexion between church 
and state, and the unsettled state of the government; that 
when there, and in the full enjoyment of the bounties of 
the government which were certainly on a more liberal 
scale than has attended the colonization of any other coun- 
try, that th^'se colonists, or any part of them, -should have 
* deliberately sought to involve the country of their adop- 
tion in still greater difficulties, is a position so unmanly 
and dishonorable that a charitable mind would rejoice to 
<]isbelieve it. At any rate, now that Santa Anna is hailed 
by them as a liberator, and they have sent in their adhe- 
sion to his supremacy, if they were sincere, we must natu- 
rally suppose that unless ecw grievances are to be borne 
they will act in good faith, and support the doctrine of 
their political creed, and its distinguished champion Gen. 
Lopez De Santa Anna. 

"The next overt and public act in the road to revolution 
was the assemblage of a convention at San Felipe, to sever 
the connexion between Coahuila and Texas, and form a 
state constitution for the latter. Although Texas would 
doubtless, in time, have been entitled to a separate state 
government, this step was as yet unnecessary and uncall- 
ed for ; besides it Was, under existing circumstances, impo- 
ii'tic in the extreme, and was so considered by most of the 
oldest and best informed inhabitants of the country. Gen^, 
Austin was decidedly opposed to it, and represented that 
an excitement was kept up by political fanatics and inter- 
rcsted adventurers, and that he knew the subject was only 
agitated at the time for effect, but that so insiduous had 
been the approaches of these interested adventurers, that 
many of the people had been made to believe that all de- 
pended on a state constitution, when every pretext would 
be renaoved necessary for the purpose of the reckless. 
31 



242 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

It \v.as in this patriotic spirit that the first incipient 
measures of the war party had been received, and coun- 
tenanced, and now in 1833, when the convention had as- 
sembled and formed a state constitution, without the con- 
sent of Coahuila or of tlie geaeral government, Gen. 
Austin was prevailed upon to bear the document to Mex- 
ico, and to become a mediator between the. government 
— the war party — and a great number of ignorant but 
well meaning men. ; the last hoping for the best results 
&n account of Austin's moderation and exalted character 
at the capital. The revolutionists hopedfor, and secretly 
predicted its failure, knowing that in such event, they 
would be enabled to keep up an excitement, and gradually 
prepare the public mind for moi'e dangerous weapons. 

Austin accepted this mission with great reluctance, 
but under a full persuasion that it was Iiia duty ; his old 
and tired friends had fixed all their ho-pes on him, to 
avert the threatened storm, the revolutionists professed 
unlimited confidence in his probity and discretion. Gen. 
Austin knew tliat the government had been constantly 
harassed by Texans ; he knew that suspicions were strong 
in Mexico that their fondness for fovors enveloped a con- 
cealed dagger j and he knew that under all the circum-, 
stances, the result of his mission, was extremely doubtfuL 
But he relied, upon, his own. integrity and- the confidence 
felt in him at the seat of government for success — and in 
failure, upon the indulgent kindness of his fellow citizens ; 
but never dreamed that he was offered up by a part of 
them as a victim to their unhallowed designs. 

Texas was at this time by no means destitute of a local 
government — she was, and had been for years, at her 
own special request, part and parcel of the state of Coa 
huila and Texas as much as the Western district is part and 
pai'ccl of the state of Tennessee ; she was. represented in 



illS'l'OHY t F ', i XAS. 243 

the state legislature and in the Mexican Congress accord- 
ing to the ratio of her population, and exercised all the attri- 
butes of a sovereign state, to the full extent that so sparse a 
population could in any state of the Union of the North. 

It is much to be lamented that the best a^d most worthy 
of men may sometimes be drawn into the snares of the 
wicked and envious who ca^ thus fasten their poisoned 
fangs around the victim and destroy his powder to do good. 
Such an outrage was practiced ojtl Stephen F, Austin in 
Texas, a man on whom the God of nature had fixed his seal 
of nobility ; aman endowed with every social and moral vir- 
tue ; a man that any people might have deliglited to honour. 

Immediately or\ his acceptance of the mission to Mexi- 
co, letters were despatched to the city, giving informa- 
tion . of the fact, and representing that Austin was the 
prime mover in keeping up an excitement, for the sole 
purpose of self-aggrandizement ; and this false information 
was given for the double purpose of preventing a success- 
ful issue of his mission and getting rid of Austin and his 
popul 'vity, which tiie war party knew was mii^h in their 
way ; and well they knew that any indignity olTered to 
his person would strer^gthen their party at home and abroad, 

Austin, tlierefore, was not received at court in such 
manner as he had been led to expect ; suspicions had 
been excited against him ; and feeling indignant at a sup- 
posed aifront, without knowing the cause, he penned an 
epistle to a supposed friend, who, on receipt of the same 
immediately transmitted this precious document to the 
goveniaient ; and finding it to, contain some expressions 
that savoured of disaffection, an ofBcer was despatched 
after jinstin, then on his return home, and he was arrest- 
ed an 1 thrown into a gloomy dungeon for thi'ee months, 
and ai'i orvv-ards ine.arcerated for upwards of a year. 

The great distance to Tc-xas, and the alm.ost impos- 



244 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

fiibility of probing such a mystery, caused the govern- 
ment to detain Austin so long, and he was thus compel- 
led to submit to his bad fortune, the victim of men whom a 
gallows would nor could not have disgraced. He eventu- 
ally returned to his home; but so much had the aspect oi 
affairs been changed since his absence, and such was thv3 
confidence and friendship really felt by a great many oi 
his early and old friends^ that his line of duty as a citizen 
and patriot was materially altered, and he yet fellt willing 
to perform it. In his own language, he was compelled 
to choose between resisting the revolutionists by force, 
yielding himself to them or leaving the country that con- 
tained his property, his family, and many other valued 
friends. Under such complex circumstances he threw 
the weight of his character in the scale of peace, until 
the other preponderated, and then as the last alternative 
to be thought of, he fought for his family and his home, 
and rendered important sei-vicesto the cause in the capa- 
city of minister to the United States, . 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Wlien the Athenians had long contended against the 
power of Phillip, he required of them a surrender of their 
orators, well knowing the opposition would soon dissolve, 
if it were not kept cemented by the eloquence and con- 
sequent influence of these tongue warriors. And an an- 
cient historian too, has recorded an amusing instance of 
an imposition practisied among the Roman legions, by an- 
eloquent, but impudent varlet, who had in any emergen- 
cy nothing to lose, but might in the turn of fortune's 
wheel, make a raise, and perhaps get uppermost of all his 
comrades. 

Who said he can give me back my brother ? He has 
been basely murdered by a band of assassins, who are 
retained by the government to butcher the good and patri- 
otic citizens of Rome ? Tell me, Blessus, where hast thou 
laid Ills dead body 1 An honorable enemy does not refuse 
the rights of burial ; and when you have delivered to me 
my murdered brother, and 1 have tired myself with kis- 
sing his cold corpse, order me to be slain too ; and all I ask 
of my fellow soldiers is to lay me beside my brother, 
and remember that we had both suffered martyrdom in 
their cause— the cause of our common country. 



HISrokY O? TEXAS 

While listening to the efiecting recital of this mock patn- 
ot, the whole army was melted into tears, and at once re* 
.'?olved to retaliate for the cruelty of the government ; but 
'time, as usual disclosed the hypocricy of the orator, and the 
iioitiari refornlers were riot a little Surprised to ascertain 
that he had never had a brother^ but oiily reported to 
Such a stratagem to forward his interested and ambitious 
views. Had Santa Anna^ at an early day adopted the 
plan of Phillip, lie would probably have escaped much 
misery. Texas had long been the rendezvous of the ambi- 
tious, disappointed, disaflectod and those who had nothing 
to lose ; and orators finally became as plenty as the swarms 
of flies described in Esop's Fables ; and when the Mexi- 
can o-overnment did demand the surrender of a few most 
notoriously seditious characters, it was found they ba<l 
waxed strong, and that the time had passed when the civil 
authorities of Texas could bo induced to a discharge of 
their duty, when the head and front of the war party was 
so deeply concerned; 

Lorenza De Valla, whom I shall have frequent occasion 
to introduce to the notice of the readerj had been fdr a con- 
siderable time the Mexican minister to France ; and al- 
tb.ough I am-not in possession of positive proof that he was 
engaged in a treasonable correspondence WMth the war party 
in Texas, and also with the French government^ as well as 
individuals in the United States, yet there is a connected 
chain of circumstantial evidence to that effect, that w'ould 
probably convince a jury of his guilt, when acting in strict 
conformity of law and the almost, universal practice of 
our courts of justice.- This man was recalled by his gov- 
ernment from the French court, and it is well known that 
charges of a serious nature were preferred against him, 
such as he had no desire to meet or explain ; and ho there- 
fore sailed from France to New-Orleans, and thence to 



HISTORY OF ^lEXAS. 

Texas, where in conjunction with the discomfited frtig- 
ments of all the factions in Mexico, now united with the 
valorous Texans Mr. Don Lorenza De Valla soon be- 
rame a most conspicuous character, and eventually the 
first Vice-President under the new Government of Texas. 

It WHS ufider -such circumsta'aces that Santa Anna, 
when too late, demanded the surrender of De Valla, and 
with him six other perisons who were well known to the 
government as the ring leadei-s of a party who had for 
yeurs harassed the Mexican Congress, with all sorts of pe- 
titions, remonstrances, &c., for no other purpose but to 
keep up an excitement among the people, and gradually 
pave the way which would lead to open resistance. But 
great as well as small men are prone to errors ; some in- 
tentionally, and some from frailty-; and had Santa Anna 
pOrsued the course above mentioned, or adhered more 
closely to Cobbett's talisman, by embarking all in the 
same boat ; or had he oftener pursued the course that 
my Lord the Duke of Buckingham formerly did, he would 
nave saved himself much trouble for many, years, and 
then escaped the mortifying details of ^an Jacinto. In 
fact, the measures of his government, although of the 
most liberal kind towards the vv'hole colonists of Texas, 
fell far short of sound policy ; for whrle he failed either 
to coerce or bribe the disaffected, his liberality towards 
the whole population made him despised by a part and 
his mandates were eventually treated not only with ridi- 
cule., but with th'e most supreme contempt. 

An anecdote respecting an English gentleman and my 
Lord Duke Buckingham, will in part illustrate a policy 
which was certainly often omitted by Santa Anna. 
The old gentleman had long been in the practice of an- 
noying the noble Duke with a string of grievances under 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

which the Isle of Britain was said to be hiboring ; the 
Duke from time to tim,e, e.x.erci&ed| his. influence, and re- 
moved the grounds of complaint, but still found himself be-t 
set with new subjects of distress, until his patience be- 
came exhausted and- he resolved to, apply a new remedy 
to silence this most clamorous member of the opposition. 
IMv dear friend, said he„I have thought of an expedient 
that will remove the evils you complain of, and I am glad 
that I can tell you that I have at disposal a place worth 
£500 a year, which I design ex^pressly for you, being con- 
vinced as I am, that you well deserve this mark of confi- 
dence from the sovereign, whom you have as yet never 
fully known or honiored. The patriotic Englishman was 
now perfectly satisfied,, every grievance vanished into thin 
air 5 and as long as he enjoyed the honor and emoluments 
of a fat office, verily believed the nation the freest and 
happiest under heaven. The difference then between 
the policy of the noble Duke and his Mexican highness 
^'* as simply this : Santa Anna did actually remove all 
former subjects of complaint in Texas in the vain hope 
that harmony could by so doing be restored ; but my Lord 
t4ie Duke of Buckingham knew more of human nature> 
and therefore embarked the old Eriglishman in his own 
boat with a goocl round salary to prevent a mutiny on 
board, and thus secured his in,terest in the safe navigation 
of the vessel of State. 

Since the dissolution of tfee corrupt Legislature of Coa- 
huila and Texas, the subject had been fully discussed in 
the Mexican Congress, (and the authority there exercised 
by the Presiden,t in dispersing a body claiming to legislate 
for the public, but a majority of whom were only gamb- 
ling in the public domain) and it was resolved that the gov- 
ernor being now out of power, new writs of election 
should issue^for the purpose of giving the inhabitants of 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

the State an opportunity of a fair and equitaUe represen,- 
lation ; and further that an official letter should be circula- 
ted in Texas explaining the views and intentions of the 
government in respect to the modifications of the consti- 
tution of 1 824, in accordance with tlie will of an overwhelm- 
ing majority of the nation as expressed through the 
ballot box at the recen,t elections for nxembers of 
Congress. 

Accordingly, a circular letter of which the following 
is a true copy, was circulated among the inhabitants oS 
Texas bearing date the 3d of October^ 183^. The gen- 
eral Congress taking into consideration the reforms in 
the Constitutioi:^ which have been unanimously requested 
by almost all the towns of the republic, that august body 
will bear in mind the wants of Texas for the purpose of 
providing a remedy against any future cause of complaint ^ 
and the government will most cheerfully co--operate with 
Congress by making propositions and recommending such 
measures as may best conduce to so laudable an end, re- 
lying always on the good Sicnse and patriotism of the Col- 
on,ist% who in adopting this, for their country necessarily 
subjected themselves to the alterations which respecting 
our institutions a majority of the nation may, from time to. 
time, voluntarily agree upon, which disposition the govern- 
ment is. decided in supporting, as aiso in protecting the lov-- 
ers of order and punishing those who foment sedition. . 

General Cos was now in garrison at San Antonia (Ala- 
mo) and in obedience to instructions from his government 
he ordered CoU-^^^ — ^ to detail one hundred men and mAi'oh 
to the neighborhood of De Valla for the purpose of pro- 
curinn; his arrest at all hazards ; a measure that was ren- 
dered necessary because no aid from the civil authorities 
could be obtained ; and under such circumstances the 
government had to choose between a surrender of the 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

powers with which all governments, even the most dem- 
ocratic are clothed, or make use of the military to arrest 
a culprit, who, not* content with former offences, was 
now the head and front of a seditious few who were 
most industriously engaged m deceiving the many. 

Accordingly, a part of the troops which, from the first 
settlement of Texas, had protected the country against 
the incursions of the surrounding Indian tribes, were now 
called upon to protect the colonists by removing a more 
"savage alid relentless enemy from among them, who> like 
a viper, had been nourished in their bosom. In the dis- 
charge of this duty they were met and attacked by a par- 
ty of Texans under Col. Moore, on the 4th of October, 
the very day after the pacific circular of the government 
had been distributed among the inhabitants. At the first 
onset the Mexican commander beat a parley, and request- 
ed a conference 5 this being agreed to, he enquired of 
Gol. Moore why he Was attacked. Moore replied that his 
Mexican highness was in pursuit of some of the most popu 
lar citizens in Texas, and that the people would protect 

them, and that he, Col. -^ with his detachment must at 

once surrender, or join the standard of the Texans, or fight. 

replied that as there was such a show of resistance he 

would proceed no farther until he had additional instruc- 
tions from his superiors ; that he certainly would not sur- 
render ; that he came with no hostile intent ; and that his 
orders strictly forbid him to fire a gun unless he was first 
attacked, and urged Col. Moore to abandon the dangerous 
and dishonorable position he then occupied, assuring him 
that the Mexican government was now desirous of giving 
Texas a separate organization with 'a republican State 
constitution, which should be framed by the representa- 
tives of Texas, and that in .*-^eking De Valla ond others 



HIS I'd RY OF TEXAS 

no alteriiative was left but to use the military, the civil 
officers of Teias having refused to act in the premises. 

Upon this the conference ended, and, the fight began; 
Col. Moore commencing the attack with 250 Texans, and 
after a few rounds the parties separated, havirig three or 
four meil killed and wounded on each side ; the Texans 
retiring, arid the MeJdcari corrimarider iiiaintaining his po- 
sitiorl hear Uy, but did not proceed iri execution of his oi*- 
ders until the pleasure of the government coitld be known. 
The peace party in Texas now become much alarmed, 
and by a circular letter, made a most pathetic appeal to 
their countrymen, lamenting that the interest of the ma- 
jority of a people disposed to peace should be sacrificed 
by the rashness of a few ; deprecating the late rencounter 
as entirely uncalled for, and representing that official com- 
munications recently received from Gen. Cos and the 
political chief at Bexar breathed riothirig but harmony, 
and that the authorities of Mexico had never thought of 
trespassing on the rights of the settlers, of which fuct^a 
multitude of proofs had been given, and that there was no 
manner of doubt but the supreme government would con- 
tinue to listen respectfully to their representations and 
omit no means ih their power, of promoting the interests 
and happiness of all the inhabitants of the republic. — 
That repeated assurances had been received of Santa 
Anna's friendly feelings towards Texas and his willingness 
to consent to a separate state government. They ex- 
pressed a settled deterilriinatioh, to promote by ^vcry hon- 
orable meahs, union, moderation and adherance to the 
laws, and to discountenance the acts of any party less 
than a majority of the people, which was calculated to 
involve Texas in a conflict with the general government; 
That they would assist the government in executing thg 
revenue and other laws which had so often been trampled 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

under foot, and discharge all other duties which became 
faithful citizens, and that the continued attempts to de- 
stroy harmony between Texas and other portions of the 
Mexican Republic deserved the marked disapprobation of 
every friend of good order, who ought to consider them- 
selve not only bound by interest to support the constitut- 
ed authorities, but also by the most solemn compacts, 
which had been sealed by judicial and voluntary oaths ; 
and finally that they considered themselves bound by the 
most sacred obligations, to support the government, if 
need be, with property, honor and life. Such v/ere the 
sincere declarations of a most worthy and patriotic body 
of Citizens, but now of no avail ; the wicked resolutions 
of the war party were fixed and immovable, and as well, 
might Jesus liave used arguments to the Jews. 

Both however were soon actively engaged. The peace 
party although as yet a decided majority of the people 
were not organized, which of course prevented any thing 
like concert of adlion ; their energies were therefore 
wasted without effect, while from committee to commit- 
tee expresses were moving across the plains of Texas 
with the velocity of Uncle Sam's express mail, thus ar- 
ranging and combining all the elements of discord which 
were drawn to a focus and concentrated into one solid 
phalanx. 

By keeping these facts constantly in view, the reader 
need be at no loss to account for the otherwise inexplica- 
ble fact, that a large majority was actually ruled by a 
small minority, who had now so fir matured their plans 
that disguise was no longer necessary, and accordingly 
on the ath, the fortress of Goliad was attacked and car- 
ried by a detachment of Texans under Capt. Collingsworth, 
who obtained possession of stores and booty to the amount 
of 112)000. The little Mexican garrison here, although 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

taken completely by surprise, battled most heroically and 
for two hours the contest could scarcely have been sup- 
posed doubtful, but the desperate enterpi-ise upon which 
the Texans had entered, admonished them of the necessl^ 
ty of extraordinary exertions, and no doubt they prefer*- 
red death at the cannon's mouth, to another that awaited 
them in case of non-success. They therefore rushed upon 
danger, regardless of consequences, and the result proved 
that the battle is not always to the strong, nor the race 
for the swift, for the Mexicans although ensconced behind 
a huge mass of stone walls situated on a hill of rock from 
whence they could seemingly pour destruction on a besieg- 
ing foe, were yet compelled to capitulate and surrender 
their comfortable quarters to the indomitable courage of 
the Anglo Saxon, who when " taking the responsibility," 
knew no fear, nor felt any danger, but to all appearance 
had laid aside life in the bare hope that he might want to 
resume it again. 

Success is a talisman, and proved such on the present 
occasion; the discomfiture of the Mexicans infused re* 
newed vigor throughout the ranks of the revolutionists, 
while it dispirited their opponents, and a force of 1 000 
men under Col. Edward Burlesson was soon marshaled 
with the avowed intention of driving every Mexican be- 
yond the Rio Grande River. Gen. Cos was yet at San 
Antonia and thither the Texans repaired, volunteers join- 
ing them every day, and among such was — Milam, one 
of the Emprasarios in the early settlement of Texas, who 
had rendered himself so notorious in Mexico, that he even 
boasted of having been imprisoned in almost every jaU 
in the republic. He was in fact a remarkable man, pos- 
sessed of many amiable qualities, but an inoi'dinate thirst 
for gain had driven him to the commission of foul deeds, 
and he had alternately suflered the penalty of his offences, 



IllS'lORY OF. TEXAS 

and novel' failed to vis't tentuld ven^-eance on the. heads of 
all who crossed his path. Tnis inaii was placed second 
in command of the Texan forces, which arriving at the 
mission Conception on the 28th day of October 1835, 
encou.itered a party of about an equal number of Mexi- 
can troops, who were stationed there for the purpose of 
checking the progress of the Texans against Sau Antonia. 
The conflict was most bloody, both parties foui^ht with a 
courage bordering on desperation, but the impetuosity of 
the Texans and their unerring rifles, proved again om- 
nipotent and the Mexicans were routed, horse, foot and 
dragoons. 

Meantime an election had been held fo.r the purpose of 
procuring a consultation of delegates from all parts of 
Texas, and these were voted for, as well by the peace, as 
the war party ; the former of whom hoped for some ami- 
cable adjustment, the latter relied upon their skill in man- 
uvering, until they could unitedly assail every vulnera- 
ble point of their adversaries and then carry all before 
them by storm. Some of the members elect according- 
ly conveved at San Felipe De Austin, on the l&thof Octo- 
ber 1835, but it did not suit the policy of the war party 
to be very punctual in attendance, and it was not until 
the 3d of November that a quorum could be obtained, in 
which time the success of their arms at Gloiad and con- 
ception had struck with dismay those who had hoped 
for peace, while it emboldened the revolutionists and en- 
abled them to win over to their ranks the unprincipled 
crowd (who are ever prone to swim with the current) as 
well as to secure the co-operation of many worthy men, 
and among them Stephen F. Austin, whose friends now 
saw that like him, the alternative was presented of butch- 
ering their own neighbors, — fighting the Mexicans, or 
quitting their hpmes, property and country where so ma- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

iiy foDd hopea had been cherished ; all of which must be 
exchanged for the sneers, jests and execration of the 
world, who would in their time of extreme need brand 
them as cowards and traitors. 

It wjas under such circumstances that the deliberation?, 
of the consultation of delegates commenced, and such a 
combination of distressing circumstances induced the 
good, the patriotic Austin to accept the conDi:ian,d of the 
Texans then beseiging Cos within the hitherto impregna- 
ble fastness of the walls of San Antonia. Here he 
adopted the fabian system of delay, hoping to pre- 
vent the unnecessary eiTusion of blood, and doubtless 
thought there was yet a glimmer of some pacific termina- 
tion of the w^hole. affair-rrbut the consultation now in 
session pi'oclaimed abroad the fact that a very general 
sympathy throughout the United States had been excited 
in favour of their cause ; and among the proofs of th^ 
fact exultingly pointed to a mosjt soldier-like company 
of volunteers, (New-Orleans Greys), already arrived,, 
with ^'TOOQ, which the good citizens, hajf French, half 
Americans, had raised by voluntary contribution. Thes^ 
things however were all the effect of previous ai-range- 
ment. Agents from Texas had long been domiciled in 
most of the large cities of the Union ; but until a recent 
date had worked by stealth ; by gradually paving the 
way for public operations, interesting men of iiifla- 
ence in Texas lands, and rousing the honest indignity of 
our religious conimunities^ by pathetic appeals in behalf of 
their priest-ridden protestant brethern west of the Sa- 
bine, who, if the whole truth had been told, were then 
and for more than 18 months before had been living un- 
der a government of as perfect religious freedom as that 
of our own. 

No man more thim mvMf entertains a higher respect 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

for the truly upright and pious ; no man more sincerely 
reverences his Creator ; but the experience of the world 
and the age in which we live should teach us to discrimi- 
nate between the appropriate dulie'S of the followers of a 
crucified Saviour and that sectarian and intolerant spirit 
that has too often marked the progress of professed chris- 
tians while promulgating their tenets from the pulpit, or 
spreading their doctrines with fire and sword. But the 
mass of mankind have in all time been made to a fearhd 
extent the sport of ambitious political aspirants, and the 
dupes and instruments of intolerant religious bigots, who, 
under the guise of piety, scruple not to deluge with hu- 
man blood the fairest portions of the earth , and it is a 
disagreeable but incontestable fact, that although as before 
noted, the decrees respecting slavery were abrogated, 
and r^eligions toleration established in Texas ; yet their 
repeal was unknown among the mass of our people ; and 
while the law of emancipation was looked upon as rob- 
bery by one part of the American people, the religious 
feelings of another part was plied with such success, that 
an almost universal sympathy for the Texans burst forth ; 
and for a time enlisted under their banner the otherwise 
antipodes of political parties in the United States. 

On the memorable 8th of October, 1835, befoi'e attack- 
ing Goliad, there had been a grand caucus of the head 
men and warriors of Texas, who were called together 
for the purpose of issuing a manifesto setting forth the 
grounds and motives for taking up arms ; for althougli 
their agents had long been busy, they had never heard of 
an insurrection where the leadei's had not furnished the 
public with some declaration by which the merits of the 
controversy might be judged ; but on the present occasion, 
after having spent a few hours without being able to agree 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Upon any thing, they unanimously resolved to rebel fii'st, 
and find out the reason afterwards. 

It is true there were weighty reasons with each man. 
but these were all of a personal nature, and if disclosed 
would have defeated their own end : they therefore very 
pi'udently contented themselves with musing in anticipa- 
tion of coming events ; and while all had fixed on large 
bodiec of public land, a few fixed on the presidency ; not 
a few had filled in imagination all the suboi'dinate offices 
under a new dynasty ; and the only serious accident 
which befel them was a mighty war of words between 
two delicate men who were both extremely anxious to 
become Mayor at the new seat of government, where- 
ever that should chance to be placed. 

Gen. Austin being now fairly committed, his services 
as a military man were soon dispensed with, and Col. Bur- 
lesson and Milam with upwards of 1200 men, commenc- 
ed on the 2d of November a vigorous attack on the towm 
of San Antonia, which was defended by Cos and about 
1,500 Mexicans. The contest was perhaps the most ob- 
stinate and bloody that came off during the war ; both 
the besiegers and besieged displaying the utmost coohiess 
and courage for two days and nights, with scarcely 
an intermission, and with dreadful slaughter, the Texans 
hanging round the town in disconnected parties, and 
constantly picking ofi'the soldiers within, while the Mexi- 
cans availed themselves occasionally with advantage of 
peculiar constructed houses, and through loop holes in the 
walls poured a most destructive fire upon the singular sort 
of an army with which they now had to contend. Even 
the venerable cathedral of near a century and a half 
standing, which yet graces a central spot in San Antonia, 
served as a rampart for the Mexican artillery, where from 
its lop they vomited forth the messengers of death in suf 
32 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

ficient profusion to test the courage of the most experi- 
enced army of veterans. 

On the third night, the Texans ceased firing, and the 
Mexicans retired to rest, vainly hoping that the siege 
would be raised while they were taking that repose which 
exhausted nature so loudly called for. The citizens, too, 
had been worn out by anxiety of mind and want of 
rest, sunk down in slumber, and soon all was buried in a 
most welcome sleep, when scarcely a sound fell upon the 
ear, save the gentle murmur of the little river, whose wa- 
ters were yet transparent, but soon to be tinged with hu- 
man blood. It was the calm that precedes a storm. At 
4 o'clock the detached parties of Texans made a simul- 
taneous assault and after contending hand to hand lor two 
hours with the newly awakened slumberers, the Mexican 
forces retired within the walls of the Alamo, from whence 
they continued until 10 o'clock to pour a most galling fire 
upon the unconquerable enemy without, nor did they 
cease until their whole stock of powder was exhausted ; 
when as is often the case, prudence becam.e as they 
thought the better part of valour, and the white flag was 
displayed from the ramparts. 

Terms of capitulation were now agreed oq, the Mexi- 
cans surrendering the the military chest with lots of Ben- 
ton's yellow boys, and all their ordinance and arms, glad 
no doubt to escape with nothing but their bodies, which 
they speedily locomoted beyond the Rio Grande, where 
many of them probably are yet, without the least desire 
to come in contact with such desperate men as slayed 
about one half of the Mexican army at the town of San 
Antonia. 

The particulars of this siege I obtained from various 
unquestionable sources ; about one half of both armies 
was sent to the shades below, and among the number of 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Texans the eccentric Milam, who closed his career of 
blood and carnage in a halo of renown. Often have I 
listened to the vetran Col. Neil when he fought this battle 
over and over again. That the Colonel is a hero 1 liave 
not the least doubt ; nature has given him a giant frame 
and a mind incapable of despondency ; and accordino- to 
tradition and his own account of himself, from the time that 
he left the pine tent in which he was born near the Cum- 
berland River, in Tennessee, his life has been devoted to 
arms and he most solemnly declares that the only defeat 
lie ever suffered was on the memorable night when he 
fell down the steps at the Theatre in Houston, and thus 
put it in my power to bear oft' a couple of fair prizes 
which a friendly agreement had made a partnership busi- 
ness of, and a subsequent friendly agreement made it law- 
ful for me to allude to in the foregoing part of the work. 
. Although the hilt of an otherwise concealed dagger in 
Texas had \oijg been seen in Mexico^ the late acts of open 
resistance and murder were wholly unexpected, and ab- 
solutely passed belief until confirmation, strong as holy 
writj stared them in the face, and can^e like a thunder 
bolt to prostrate the fondest hopes of many Mexican pat- 
riots, to whom I have alluded in the 12th Chapter of this 
work. Nqw, however, as the Texans have thus far been 
eaj^inently successful and have possesion of all the forts 
and strong holds in the country, the consultation of dele- 
grtes, at Sa^i Felipe are more j;uccessful in agreeing upon 
a declaration than were the heroes before Goliad, and the 
joint wisdom pf the members manufixctured, aijd promulr 
gated the following, after appointing Gen. Houston Com- 
mander-in-Chief, and dibpatching Gen. Austin ,to the City 
of Washington iJ^ the, character of Minister to the United 
States. This address was adopted ou the 7th of Novem- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

ber 1835, immediately after the news of the fall of San 
Antonia had reached the Consultation. 

bfiCLiARATlO'Ni 

Whereas General Antonia Lopez De Santa Anna and 
other military chieftains have by force of arms over- 
thrown the federal institutions of Mexico and dissolved 
the social compact which existed between Texas and 
the other members of the confederacy : 

Now the good people of Texas, availing themselves of 
their natural rights, do solemnly declare that we have ta- 
ken up arms in defeiice of our rights and liberties, v/hich 
was threatened by the encroachments of military despots 
and in defence of the republican principles of the con- 
stitution of 1824. That Texas is no longer morally or 
legally bound by the compact of Union ; yet stimulated 
by the generosity common to a free people, we offer our 
support and assistance to such of the members of the 
Mexican confederacy as will take up arms against milita- 
ry despotism. That we do not acknowledge that the 
present authorities of the nominal Mexican Republic 
have the right to govern within the limits of Texas. 
That we hold it a right dui'ing the disorganization of the 
federal system to withdraw from the Union and establish 
an independent government or to adopt such other meas 
tires as we may deem best calculated to protect our rights 
and liberties ; but we will continue faithful to the Mexi- 
can Government so long as tliat nation is govermed by 
the constitution and laws that were formed for the gov. 
ernment of the political associationj but will not cease to 
carry on war against said authorities whilst their troop" 
are withiri the limits of Texas. That Texas is rcsponsi- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

ule for her armies now in the field, a.nd the public faith is 
pledged for the payment of any debt contracted by our 
agents. That we will reward by donations in land, all 
who volunteer in our service in the present struggle, and 
receive them as citizens. These declarations we solemnly 
avow to the v/orld, and call God to witness their truth 
and sincerity and invoke defeat and disgrace on our head 
should we prove guilty of duplicity. 

To a person unacquainted with the actual position of 
the general government and the war party in Texas, the 
ioregoing declaration would pass for a patriotic document, 
and that it has very generally enjoyed that charactej: 
can be attested by the unanimous evidence of the people 
of the United States and many more abroad ; but that it 
was circulated at the time for immediate effect, and not 
from any persuasion in the minds of the members that it 
would stand the test of time, or that it contained any 
thing more than a somewhat artful, if not able white- 
ivashing of their conduct, I for one do most religiously be- 
lieve. 

For by what system of reasoning, or by what tortur- 
mg of actual occurrences could these gentlemen have be- 
come convinced that Santa Anna and rqilitary chief- 
tains had by force of arms overthrown the federal institu- 
tions of Mexico and destroyed the social compact that exis- 
ted between Texas and the members ot the other confede- 
racy, certain it is that neither had been done ; certain it is 
of all the Mexican Republic, Texas was the only por- 
tion where the people did not sanction a modification of 
the Constitution of 1824, and what v/as popularly callr 
ed a Central government for the time .; and certain it is 
that even in Texas a majority of the inhabitants sided 
with the change. The Constitution of 1824 having prov- 
ed wholly inadequate to all the purposes of its adoption; 



tllSTOHY OF TEXAS 

and equally certain it is tnat this love and veneration for 
the constitution was an afterthought, the central govern- 
ment having been established by the voluntary consent 
and desire of an ahnost unanimous voice of the nation 
had been in operation from the first day of January, 
1835 ; and now in November of the same year, every 
former pretext is abandoned, aiid the republican princi- 
ples of the constitution of 1824, which established the 
Catholic religion becomes, as if by niagic, a most sacred 
document ; such as none but sacrilegious hands would 
dare to touch, when they, the very promulgators of the 
foregoing declaration had tor years sought, and at last 
obtainad an infraction of this venerated document, the 
Mexican government consenting that these iriost pi- 
ous Texans should enjoy the privilege of worshiping Al- 
mighty God in accordance with the dictates of their most 
fender consciences. 

But a brief space of time befo'te," as fioted in the 12th 
Chapter of this work, we who are now conjured as broth- 
ers, were denounced befo're the Mexican people as no- 
toriously profligate arid lawless arid in the same address 
by the same war party, Santa Anna who has sirice that ad- 
dress was penned removed all former grounds of complaint, 
and committed no wrongs upon the rights or liberties of the 
people of Tetas, isriow trarisform'ed from the champion of 
liberty, and the distinguished Don Lopez De Santa Anna, 
into a militai-y despot who had trampled ori the liberties of 
his country. Religious establishments and violated Consti- 
tutions grate harshly on Americari ears ; and this love for 
the constitution was a subterfuge resorted to for the pur- 
|)0se of enlisting our feelings still more in their favdr, and 
was iri point of fact rebeUing first and firidirig out the rea- 
son afterwards, and riever, it is believed, did juggler playoff 
his illusions with such effect as did the war party in Tex- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. j* 

as, when performing before their notoriously profligate 
and lawless brothers, the legitimate descendants of seven- 
teen hundred and seventy-six. 

I am aware that in expressing sentiments so opposite 
from those entertained by a large majority of the Ameri- 
can people, that I am incurring a great weight of respon- 
sibility ; but it cannot be supposed that I have any sinister 
motive or any object whatever but truth in view, and 
while I ani conscious of this, without courting opposition 
I will not shrink from a just responsibility, confident as I 
am, that the more the subject is investigated!, the more 
proot^ v.ili be Obtained in support of each and every posi- 
tion I have assumed. 'Tis true^ nloEt writers advocate 
the popular side of every subject ; 'tis true, that they of- 
ten degrade themselves by becoming mere pensioned 
scribblers ; and it is perhaps too true that any other mode 
of procedure is fraught with danger without pecuniary 
lev.ard ; but aware as I am of this-, I cannot consent to 
lend myself to so unholy a cause as that which hitherto 
has loaded with obloquy the peace party in Texas 5 a 
body of meil in point of talent, moral worth and patriot- 
ism, that would do no dishonor to the proudest and most 
enligiitened nation under the sun. I know the envious, 
h\alicious and obstinately prejudiced will condemn me ; but 
hiy writings should be beneath the notice of any intelli- 
gent community if I was Capable of descending to the 
vile practice of j^romulgatirtg error arid. pandering to an 
appetite that is sharpened and invigorated until whole- 
some food for the miiid is discarded, and its place supplied 
with nutriment, which although decked with flowers, of* 
ten contains a poison which in the absence of a sure an- 
tidote-, I fear will some day sap the very foundations of 
society and desolate my native and beloved country and 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

tlie home of my children while the beautiful but unfiYiish- 
ed fabric, reared by our fathers, is crumbling into dust. 

The thousands of emigrants that will continue to pour 
into Texas, have important trusts in their hands ; the ac- 
tive promoters of the conflict with Mexico, as well as my- 
self will soon pass away, and our respective places will 
be filled by those for whom we should feel a lively inter 
est, and for whom there should be no unwillingness to 
transmit volumes of truth, when the hand which has pen- 
ned them is mouldering in the dust. 

In tracing the causes and effects of revolutions in gov- 
ernment, the impartial mind will arrive at the conclusion 
that with a little shifting of scenery and characters, the 
history of one is in many respects not unlike the history 
of fiii^ — that the causes often trivial ; the measures used 
wicked and malignant ; and the final results to the success^ 
ful party often little else than a change of name and a 
change of masters. While this as a general truth may be 
safely affirmed, a further notice of the revolution in Mexi- 
co would be superfluous Vycre it not that the leading caus- 
es and prominent features of its rise, progress and termin- 
ation, were of a kind to stamp this tremendous conflict 
with a distinct character. Spain found the Mexicans a 
rich, powerful and happy nation ; she robbed them for a 
time of their birth-right and the fruits of their industry ; 
and in time her victims triumphed over oppression and 
laid this once haughty nation prostrate at their feet. The 
colonists of Texas settled in the Mexican republic when 
the nation was groaning under the expiring fragments of 
tyranny, when the lovers of justice and the rights of man 
throughout the world were contemplating with pleasure 
the noble stand and heroic achievements of the long opf 
pressed descendants of the Montazumas. 

The Texan Emigrants voluntarily took upon themselves 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

the most solemn obligations, and in the face of high 
heaven swore to support the constituted authorities of 
Mexico ; not any particular dynasty, but such as a ma- 
jority of the inhabitants of the republic should from time 
to time clothe with authority. If they have done this, 
'tis well ; if they availed themselves of nature's law and 
have resisted intolerable oppression even unto death, it 
was an honorable duty ; if they have aided a nation of 
freemei; wlien contending for their lost rights, they deserve 
the approbation of mankind 5 but if they have violated 
the most sacred obligations, and proved recreant to their 
benefactors, and like a viper stung the bosom that wann- 
ed them into life, the curse of God will rest upon them 
and sooner or later the execrations of mankind. 

We are accustomed to look upon an individual who 
will speak falsely, or one who will rob or murder a fel- 
low creature, with horror and loathing ; but I fear that 
mankind are too apt to overlook the darkest crimes when 
numbers are engaged, and to drown the oflence in the 
waters of popular feeling. But it must be confessed that 
unjustifiable rebellion embraces a complication of wickedr 
ness transcendantly greater than any crime which man 
can commit, it is the offspring of slander, in gratitude and 
perjury ; it is pregnant with rapine, sacrilege and murr 
der; and dreadful indeed in its mildest form, as it impover^ 
ishes the public, ruina particular families, perpetrates ha- 
tred among citizens and relatives who ought to be friends ; 
makes a country the seat of misery and desolation ; leaves 
helpless orphans in nakedness and want, and widows in 
weeds and tears ; exposes nations to the attempts of for- 
eign enemies ; and its progress is always through a con- 
tinued course of violence and bloodshed. An individual 
robber ajid murderer then is an innocent man if compared 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

to end leagued with a combination ot re Dels against an 
upriglit government. 

'Tis true,' that willful and corrupt perjury, by the conv 
mon consent of mankind and the \Vhole tenor of every 
code of morality or religion, is a crime of such flagitious 
nature that I would fondly believe that such mournful de- 
pravity cannot exist in a human breast ; for independent 
of deep remorse in this world, what must be the eternal 
doom of him who has first desired that God nlight help 
Iiim as he shall keep his oath, and then disclaims divine 
assistance and hopes to prosper when pursuing a course 
diametrically opposite to the most sacred obligation. Ill- 
dividual happiness or permanent prosperity under such 
circumstances can never exist;. It 'VVduld be contrary to 
every knowil law of nature ; contrary to reason, right 
and justice, and contrary to every principle on which 
men can have the smallest foitridation to anchor their hopes 
in this world dr who are not altogether regardless of a 
happy immortality. 

In a national point of view, I cannot beheve that the 
sins of a few will be visited on the many, nor do I believe 
that all who participated in the conflict in Texas are charge- 
able with acting wrong ; on the coritrary, too much praise 
cannot be bestowed upon the magnanimous volunteers 
■ivho left their peaceful firesides as they then verily believ- 
ed to assist in maintaining the rights of man, and to stay 
the progress of a ruthless and sanguinary iilvader ; too much 
praise cannot be bestowed oil a worthy body of men in 
Texas who honestly opposed the A^^ar uritil the alternatives 
were presented of butchering their neighbors, fighting the 
Mexicans, br leaving the country ; arid in place of pass- 
ing a sentence of willful aiid corrupt guilt on any of the 
actors, I will consider that I have done my duty wherl 1 
have laid all the evidence before my readers (much ol 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

which is yet to come) and have informed them that a 
charitable mind v/ill make large allowances for the con- 
duct of men in particular circumstances. 

We are often blinded by prejudice and interest ; we 
are led by the influence of friends ; we are too often the 
slaves of fashion, and we pursue the phantom Fame at 
tiiTies with such eager intent, alid with such velocity that 
the most sacred duties are forgotten while mischief and 
misery are scattered abroad, and death and destruction mark 
our footsteps. 

Pope says, " vice to be hated must be seen ;" and I say 
that the most pernicious consequences sometimes ensue from 
a disregard of first principles without the absolute intent of 
indulging vicious propensities ; and man without fixed 
principles for the government of his conduct is as liable 
to steer wrong as a ship without rudder or compass, wheii 
tossed upon the mountain wave. 

But whatever may have been the sins of the promoters 
bf the w^ar or the virtues of those who opposed it, emi- 
grants at the present and a future day can neither share 
in the disgrace of the biie rior the glory of the other, 
farther than to draw lessons of iiistruction from the past ; 
and this should call forth every faculty of body and mmd 
Until their duties are properly understood and performed, 
which will richly repay thetn in life and i-edound to theii' 
honor when their pilgrimage shall be ended ; and may 
such be impressed with a proper sense of their accounta- 
bility and learn from the follies of others to steer around 
the troubled waters of destruction and anchor at last in a 
haven of rest; 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



CHAPTER XV. 

My history must now retrograde to the 3d of Noveni- 
ber 1835, at which time the delegates composing the con- 
sultation organized at San Felipe, when Branch T. Archer 
was elected President of that body and delivered the fol- 
lowing speech, which I lay before the reader for the pm*- 
pose of exhibiting both sides of the question, and also to 
refresh his memory respecting the sale of 4 1 1 leauges of 
land, by the war party, in Texas ; the members of which 
being dispersed before the titles were made out, the Pres- 
ident of the Consultation now declares a fraudulent trans- 
action. This document may be relied on as a copy ver- 
batim, having, by the courtesy of the Secretary of State, 
been permitted to transcribe it with my own hand from 
the unpublished files in that department of the Govem-r 
ment of Texas. 

The Hon. Branch T. Archer is a man of fine talents, 
possessing top the fire of an old Virginian, a fire that in 
early life iiivolved him in a duel with a Mr. Crump, who 
fell a victim to this savage practice, near Powhattan Court 
hou§e, Virginia, and Col. Archer emigrated to Texas, 
where he well kr^ew what kind of language to use to 
tiiose around hirn, as ^vell as those of his old friends h} 



HISTORY OF TEXAS, 

the United States, when addressing the delegates at San 
Felipe De Austin. 

" Gentlemen : — I return you my thanks for the honor 
you have conferred on me. The duties which devolve 
on the members of this body are arduous and highly impor- 
tant : in fact the destinies of Texas are placed in your 
hands. I hope that you are now assembled in every 
wa}^ prepared to discharge those duties creditable to your- 
selves, and beneficial to your country. I call upon all 
and each of you to divest yourselves of all party feehng 
and selfish motives, and to look alone to the true interest 
of the country. In the language of the Hebrew prophet, 
1 would say, put ofl' your shoes, for the ground upon 
which you stand is holy ground. 

The rights and liberties of thousands of freemen are 
in your hands, and millions yet unborn will be aflected 
by your decisions. The first measure that will be brought 
before the house .will be a declaration in which we wiU 
set forth to the world the causes that have impelled us to 
take up arms, and the objects for which we fight; and the 
propriety of establishing a provincial government without 
delay, is now suggested to be composed of a Governor, 
Leutenant Governor and Council, and I would recommend 
that these offices be clothed with both legislative and 
executive powers. This measure I conceive to be abso- 
lutely necessary to prevent Texas from falling into anar- 
chy. The organization of the militia requires your im- 
mediate attentions You have an army in the field whose 
achievements have already shed lustre upon our arms, and 
they are destitute of the provisions and comforts necessa- 
ry to sustain them in service. Give them character, or 
their victories, although not achieved without danger or 
§lory, will nevertheless be unproductive of good ; sustain 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

and support them and they will do honor to you, and ren- 
der incalculable service to the country ; neglect them and 
Texas is lost. 

The adoption of a code of miliatary laws is indispensable, 
— without order and discipline your armies will be more 
dangerous to ourselves than to our adversaries. I know 
the men now in the field ; and there n^ver were bettei 
Siaaterials for soldiers, but unless strict subordination is 
enforced they will achieve nothing for us ; but enforce 
subordinatiorj, and like the dragori's teeth sown by Cad- 
mus, armed men will spring forth ready to fight our bat- 
tles. 

It will be necessary to raise funds in order' to establish 
the contemplated government and support the army, and 
it is our duty to appoint agents to procure those funds. 
I have too high an opinion of the wisdom of this body to 
believe that you will select any but our most influelitial 
citizens to such an important post. Without funds, how- 
ever heroically your armies may fight — however wise 
your councils may legislate, they will erect but a baseless 
fabric, that will fall of its own weight. 

It is believed that funds to a large amount can be rais- 
ed by a pledge of the public domain ; and however much 
our citizens may differ in opinion respecting the legal 
ownership of such lands, Texas needs and must have 
them. 

We are surrounded by powerful and warlike tribes of 
Indians, some of whose chiefs are expected here in a few 
days, and I deem it expedient that we purchase their 
friendship at whatever it may cost. The arrangements 
entered into with our friends abroad must be complied with, 
and by a proper treatment of those volunteers who have 
arrived from the Urjited States, we shall soon be reinforc- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

ed v/ith many more from tlie same quarter ; and it wil! 
be expedient for this body to secure to all volunteers their 
head rights and bounty lands, and place them on the same 
footing with our own citizer^s. This being done, confi- 
dence will be ensured. Again, the path to promotion 
must be open ; the volunteers must be certain that deeds 
of heroism will be rewarded, and that you will throw no 
obstructiori in their pathway to fame. The fraudulent 
sale of 411 leagues of land by the late legislature of Coa- 
huila and Texas will need revision, and the establishment 
of mails and an Express department are deemed necessa- 
ry to promote the object in view ; besides other measures 
which have escaped my observation, but will occur to us 
all in the progress of affairs; and finally, gentlemen, let 
nie remind you of the high and responsible station yoi} 
now occupy. The eyes of the world will soon be upon 
us; battling as we are against the despotism of a military 
chieftain all true republicans will become anxious specta- 
tors of the conflict. Let us furnish them evidence that we 
are the true descendants of that band of heroes that sustain- 
ed an eight years war against tyranny and oppression and 
gave liberty to a new world. Let our achievements be 
such that our mother country, when she I'eads the bright 
page that records them, shall proudly and joyfully exclasm, 
these are my sons; their heroiq deeds mark them as such. 
Again, gentlemen, let jn,'^ reinijid you that the ground up- 
on which you stand is holy ground; that your decisioas 
will affect the rights and liberties of thousands of free- 
men, and perhaps millions yet unborji — and the cause of 
liberty itself. I do not view the cause in which we ai;e 
engaged as that of freemen fighting alone agains| militai*y 
despotism; I do not view it as Texas battling aloke for her 
"ights; I view it on a more extensive scale; I view it a^ 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

the great work of laying the corner stone ot the great 
IMcxican confederacy." 

Immediately after the delivery of the foregoing speech 
of the presiding officer, the report of a "body termed tiie 
common council was laid before the consultation of dele- 
gates, and the following is a true copy from the file in the 
department df State. 

REPORT OF THE COMMON COUNCIL; 

San Felipe De Austin^ Nov. \st^ 1835. 

To the lionorahle Consultatmn of the chosen delegates of 
all Texasjin General Convention asseinbled: 

The general council begs leave to report, that now on 
the organization of your honorable body, the duty of the 
council terminates, and it is with much satisfaction that 
we surrender into your hands the records of our proceed- 
ings. In the discharge of its duties, it became necessar}'^ 
for the council to take the responsibility of acts of mag- 
nitude ; and if in so doing we have transcended the au- 
thority intended to be delegated to us, we hope that the 
liberality of your assembly will attribute it to motives of 
rendering important if not indespeiisable aid Id the cause 
in which Texas is engaged. As the most trivial acts of 
the council are on record, and are too riumerous to be 
couched in this report, we will oilly present to your con- ' 
sideration the most important, arid those incurring the 
greatest responsibility, that you may approve or disap- 
prove as your wisdom may dictate. On the 14th day of 
October, James Hall was appointed contractor for the 
army, from whose report there are reasons to believe 
that upwards of one hundred beeves and a considerable 
quantity of com meal are on the way to head quarteis, 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

'And connected with this subject we will also inform you 
that supplies of sugar, coll'ee, bacon, blankets, shoes, tent 
cloths, &:c. &c., have been forwarded from Colilmbiai 
Brassoria and Matagorda ; but as the winter is approach 
ing, high water and bad roads may be expected ; we there- 
fore recommend that a larger quantity be collected at some, 
convenient point: 

We have reasons to believe that one 1 2 aiid one 1 3 
pounder of artillery are on the way, with a fair propor- 
tion of powder and ball, and we have authorised the rais- 
ing of 25 volunteers to range between the Colorado and 
Brassos ; 25 between the Brasses and Trinity rivers ; and 
io east of the Trinity, promisiiig eaCh volunteer ^1,26 
per day. The council have made arrangenierits for the 
collection of the public dues on file marked G., arid thi.-; 
it will be necessary to take up and I'evise. The council 
liave ordered to be carried into effect under certain ret£- 
ulationsa mail route from San Fel'ipe De Austin to canton- 
ment Jesup in the United States ; as also to the head 
quarters of the army, and to Bigar and Velasco. ThivS 
subject at a suitable time ishoiild be taken up, and branch 
routes ordered : ana to carry the projec^t into eflect, the 
Council appointed Jno. Rice J^ones, Post Master General. 
On the 26th day of October, the council drafted an ad- 
dress to the people of the United States which was for- 
warded to an editor at Natchitoches in th6 Uiiited States 
for publication ; arid will be found on file marked M. On 
the 27th the council passed a resolution requiririg the sus- 
pension of the various Jand offices, for reasons then stated 
which wmII be found on file marked N. ; copies of w^hich 
have been Ordered to be served on the land commission- 
ers. We have authorized a contract for a loan of om 
Hundred thousand dollars from citizens of New-Orleans, 
and appointed T. F. McKinney agent to repair to New- 
33 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Orleans to carry the same into effect, under instructions 
on file marked C. On the 31st, the council received a 
number of letters from Mr. McKinney and other gentle- 
men of the lower country, urging the necessity of the 
council granting letters to certain persons therein men- 
tioned, to cruise for Mexican vessels, which were granted, 
and commissions issued, a copy of which is oi\ file 
marked P. accompanied with instructions marked G. 

Our finances arising from the receipt of dues for land as 
will appear in Mr. Gail Borden's repojt, is ^58,30, 
This money has been exhausted, and an advance made 
by the president of the council of ^36. There was also 
several hundred dollars in the hands of Mr. Moony, the 
Alcalde of the municipality of Austin ; upon this money 
several advances have been made by Mr. Cochrane, and 
will probably cover the amount of money in the Alcalde's 
hands ; as such you may consider that at this moment we 
are out of funds. 

Two Mexican officers, prisoners of war, are now on 
parole of honor, having privilege of the town of San 
Felipe, and it will be necessary for the President or some 
appropriate authority to have observation over the m. As 
some days may pass before the consultation organize a 
proper authority to dispatch and receive expresses, the 
council are of opinion should be attended to, and that a 
committee should be appointed for that purpose. 

With consideration and high regard, 

R. Royal, President 
of the General Council of Texas. 

A. Houston, Secretary. 

On motion of Saml. Houston a vote of thanks was 
unanimously passed, tendering to the members of the 
council the thanks of the consultation. 



HISTORY CF TEXAS. 

On motion of Mr. "VVharton, il; was resolved that the 
President appoint a committee composed of one member 
from each jurisdiction, to make a declaration, setting forth 
!o the world, the causes that impelled us to take up arms 
and the objects for v.'hich we fight ; and in persuance of 
s-aid resolution, the Chair appointed the following persons : 
A. Wharton, W. Mennifee, R. R. Royal, Lorenza De 
Valla, A, Mitchell, W. J. Fisher, R. M. Williams, Saml. 
Houston, A. Houston W. Hanks, H. Milla'rd and S. T. 
^ilen, 

Mr. Edward Hall, agent for a cornniittee at New- Or- 
leans, was introduced and presented certain documents 
which were read, and on motion of Mr, Wharton, were 
ordered to lie on the table. On motion, of Mr. Robinson, 
a committee was appointed to take into consideration the 
communications from New-Orleaijis ; ai;id JNJe^r?. Whar- 
ion, Houston, Robinsoi), Royal and Parker, were ap poin- 
ted thai Qommitee, wiih instructions to report thereon. 

On motion of R. Royal, Messrs. Bettom and Hall, of 
xhe United States Navy were received ijiTito the army of Tex- 
as. In persuance of the recommendation of the president 
of the consultation, Heijry Smith was elected Governor^ 
J. W. Robinson Lt. Governor, Wir). Mev^r^ifeef D. Parker^ 
Jesse Grimes, A. G. Perry, David G. Burnett, Henry 
Williams, Martin Para)i, D. C. Clemments, R. R. Royal^ 
W. P. Harris, E. Waller, and W. Hanks, councilmen. 

•The Govern.or elect having takea ihe oath of office vyas 
conducted to the Chair^ when he delivered a short address 
remarking thai ihey w.o^d,d have to call isys tern out of 
chaos, and without funds or mm^itions of war^set ihe new 
wheels of government in n^otion; he recoii^mended tlie 
passage of a revenue l;iw, and t'le appointment of coUec- 
lors of the customs, and also additional agents to procure 
aid from foreign countries, particularly the United States., 



History of texaS. 

ivhich his Excellency seemed to think was gding hand in 
hand with Texas on a crusade to Mexico. He gp'Duted 
most loudly about the glories of conquest, and the descen- 
dants of the immortal heroes of 1776; declared they 
were neither profligate ilor lawless, but that the Mexi- 
cans were Uoth ; tlnd moreover, of a color arid lailgUage 
which peculiarly fitted them for the servants of those 
^^■ho were a shade whiter, and spoke the English language. 
Two thousand copies of this speech were oMered to be 
printed and sent to different parts of the United States, 
and on motion of Wm. V/harton the consultation adjourn- 
ed sine die. 

1 believe that there is in poiiit of fact but one step be- , 
tvveen the sublime and the ridiculdus ; aiicl I bespeak 
the impartial atterition of the reader, \^/\\\\e 1 dissect and 
strip of their gilding, the two preceding very eloquent 
and statesmanlike documents, in doing which I shall be- 
gin with my brother Virginian, and it is part of the Vir- 
ginian creed to lean as much as possible to the side of a 
countryman, and I cannot therefore be subjected to rhe 
charge of enmity against my honorable colleague from 
Powhattah. 

I will not stop to enquire if Ihe ground upon which ihi? 
grand coiisuKatioii held its session was holy, as my honor- 
able friend termed it ; had I been present at the time, 1 
might have enquired why these gentlemen were riot in 
their seats at Montclovia, the capital of the state of Coa- 
imila and Texas ; and how the honorable geiitleman could 
reconcile it to his feelings to declare that all trUe repub- 
licans would syiilpatize with Texas wheri she \^"cl^ tramp- 
ling under fdotfevery article in the creed that is held sa- 
cred by that most democratic party. What Says the 
celebrated Virginia resolutions ill the days of the elder 
Adams, or who ever heard before a republican pr,rty \^ilo 



« 
HISTORY OF TSEXAS. 

refused to acknowledge the claims of an overwhelming 
majority, fairly expressed through the ballot box. Who 
ever heard of a rcpiiblicaii people, that under such circum- 
stances, rjot only made \yar ag„i;,ingt the government of 
their common country, but actually severed the connection 
of the inhabitar^ts of a separate state for no other reason 
than an acknowledgement that this sanie immuculate re- 
publican party had attempted to rnake a fraudulent sale 
of 411 leagues of land which belonged to the general 
government ai)d the whole population of Mexico. 

Texqii was as much a part of Coahuila and Texas as 
the xyhole State of Virginia is every part of Virginia, and 
the state of Coahuila arid Texas stood in precisely the 
relation to the general goven)m3iit of Mexico as does the 
state of Virgiijia tq the governm3i)t of the United States. 
This being a (;leqir ar^d ijndisputable fact, Texas could 
jvossess no legal right to maintain her present position ; 
her movements w^re all revolutionary, and it only re- 
inains to be seen if oppression had forced her to avail 
herself of a national right and seek relief by the sword. 

1/ the declaration of the cojasultation of delegates is to 
be yegeived as an exposition of tlie encroachm.onts on the 
rights and liberties of the good people of Texas, I am un- 
able to perceive any definite change except that of the 
motiification of the constitution of 1824, and it has alrea- 
dy been showi) that this n^odification was effected by the 
oneration of utjiversal suffrage ; a doctrine whether 
soured or urisound is professed to be held most sacred by 
all republican people ; and least of all should the Texans 
haye cgmplaii^cd ql' a violated constitution when the first 
infraction of this venerated document was made at their 
own especial and repeated request and conceded to 
them by the generous courtesy of an overwhelming major» 
jty of the nation. 



HISTORY OF TEX4S 

If tlie declarations of the President of the Consultation 
of delegates were true^ there was immediate necessity for 
the organization of a new government to prevent Texas 
from falling into anarchy, and that the statement of this 
gentleman on this particular Contingency, was true, there 
is no doubt, for at least two thirds of the people of the 
State were now alarmed at the rapid strides- of the revo- 
lutionary party, who delayed not to clothe themselves 
with autho-Tity, and with ihe public funds in their pockets, 
were determined to force obedience at the dagger's point.' 

In place then of deliberating with the iiewly elected 
members of the state legislature of Coahuila and Texas, 
and in place; of convening and framing a state Constitu- 
tion for i* exas in accordance with the expressed wish of 
the government erf Mexico, no sooner is this privilege 
conceded than abandoned, and irt the absence of every 
former bone of contention, the republican constitution 
tvhich established thei Catholic religion embraces the sum 
total of their desires. 

If military chieftains were actually trampling on the 
rights arid libf^rties of Texas, why did not these sage 
statesmen define the wrongs she was receiving at the 
hands of the government ; why did they not show that 
the citizens were deprived of some rights previously en- 
joy ed, or were bearirtg some bu»thern newly laid upon 
them. In the absence of either of these I should think 
it difficult for any rational mind toi arrive at tlie conclu- 
sion which the foregoing declaration expresses ; and leas'f 
of all, the Hon. Branch T. Archer, who boasts of 
his Virgulia republicanism and professes to have been ed- 
ucated in the true Je'ffe'rsonian school of politics. 

That the honorable gentleman displayed considerable 
tack and skill in his eloquent allusions to' his mother coun- 
try and his varnished appeal to our feelings is readily gran- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

led : but I cannot grant to liim both the possession of 
sound republican principles, and with them sincerity of 
purpose ; and the Texan emigrants should bear in mind 
that under the former order of thiilgs they were not even 
subjected to a tea tax^ while, under the reigning republi- 
can dynasty at present, every tiling that can be weighed 
or measiired is subjected to the operations of an oppres- 
sive tarilK 

If further proof is vyraritiilg to show that Texas was 
in a niiiiorit}^, I would call the attention of the reader to 
the bait which was cast on the waters by this republican 
consultation of delegates-, who, to use their own language, 
^^ they beiiig ^timiilated by the geilerosity Common to a few 
^5eople-, Offered Iheir support ahd assistance to such mem- 
bers of the Mexican confederacy as would join them in 
arms ;" and not receiving any response from any single 
Mexican state, the Governor and Council recommended the 
calliilg of a convention for the purpose of an immediate 
Declaration of Independence-. It will be seen from the 
report of the General Couitcil that as early as the 14th 
day of October, a contractor for the army had been ap- 
pointed -5 that the public funds had, by this self-Constituted 
body, beeii expended ; that they had taken the responsibili- 
ty of contracting a loan of one hundred thousand dollars, 
and vesting the proceeds in 12 aiid 18 pounders, ball, 
powder^ beevefe, blahkets, &c-., and that an express mail 
had been established to Natchitoches in the United States, 
to bear to oUr borders an address from these our expatria- 
ted but oppressed countrymen, and brothers ; and final- 
ly, a suppression of the land offices to prevent the settlers 
from pei'fectiAg their titles uiitil the revolutionists could se» 
lect the most valuable lands themselves, and then grant 
or confiscate the claims of others in such manner as to 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

bring a forfeiture on all all those who did not participate 
in the war. 

Mr. Mclvinney negotiated an additional loE^n of one 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars in New Orleans ; and 
w his correspondence with the government of Texas sO' 
licited and obtainc(^ the privilege fqr American citizens;, 
to cruise for Mexican vessels, a power granted by the 
General Cqu^cil of Te:^as, which was clearly beyoncj 
their reaqh} and 03:^6 whei:^ ej;er,cised b,y the appHcants, 
tiiat according to the universal law of Rations subjected 
all thus engaged to the charge and doom of pirates : an 
assertion however disagreeable to make, it would be an 
insult to the understanding of the reader to support by 
i'urther proofs, as the i^eport of the council is before him 
a body unknown and unrecognized by any foreign 
jjower. 

In pursuar^ce pf the policy iridicated from abroad and 
the recorflmeiidation of the governor and Council of Texas^ 
delegates from the diiferent municipalities of Texas were 
elected 01; the ^Sth day of February 1836, and convened 
at Washington on the 1st day of March. When in ses- 
sion it was found that consideraUe diversity of opinion 
yet existed respecting the wisdom or expediency of es- 
tablishing a separate government ; several rnembers urg- 
ing that a large and respectable party was altogether op. 
posed to a separation from Mexico^ ai^d no doubt was en- 
tertained by them but ai:^ aniicahle adjustment could yet 
be made. They asserted that Texas could gain nothing 
by severing the connection ; for if successful in the en 
terprize, a large expenditure of ixioney would be requisite 
and the people afterwards burdened not only with the ex 
pense of foreign interco\.irse but also with a national debt 
without obtaining any equivalent. 

A majority, however, argued differently ; they stated 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

that Texas was already committed before the wond, and 
that she could not, without everlasting disgrace, retrace 
her steps ; that she had entered into various and 'delicate 
engagehnents ; a compliance with which would be ii'npossi- 
ble unless entire independence of Mexico was declared and 
maintained ; that the public creditors were already alarmed, 
and that nothing but an immediate Declaration of Indc- 
jjendence could restore confidence ; but that in such event 
any necessary amount of funds and volunteers in their 
service would be forthcoming. 

The Declaration of Independence finally passed unani- 
mously, the peace members sacrificing their ov/n pacific 
opinions, and as Austin said of these three alternations 
presented, they fought the Mexicans rather than their own 
neighbors, and rather than to abandon home and country 
and be received abroad as traitors to a righteous cause. 
The convention adjourned after passing a Constitution 
and a code of miilitary laws and electing the following 
officers on whom devolved the arduous and responsible 
duty of giving an impetus to the the Government, 

David G. Burnet, President, 

LoKENZA De Valla, Vice President. 

Col. Carson, Sec'ry of State. 

Baily Hadiman, Secb-ij of Treasury^ 

Thos. J. BuRK, Sech'y of War. 

David Thomas, AtCy General. 

Jno. Rice Jones, Post Master General. 

Now the note of preparation was every where heard ; 
the Declaration of Independence and Constitution o^ 
Texas were soon promulgated throughout the United 
States, where the press groaned under the intoleiable 
persecutions that pursued our American brethren in Mex- 
ico. The chivalry of the country was aroused, and dar- 



_ HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

ing spirits in thousands repan-ed to the wilds of Texas to 
assist as they then thought in bursting the bonds of poli* 
tical and religious slavery, which the duplicity of the Mex- 
ican govg^rnmeht had fastened around our countrymen. 
The generous sympathy of our people for Texas, although 
Wrorigly directed, is an honor to human liature, nlanifest- 
iag as it did, a disinterestedness and magnanimity worthy 
of the most righteous cause ; a cause then alnlost univer- 
sally believed to be of that character, and one that enlist- 
ed under its banners men of all political parties botli 
among our private citizens and in the legislative halls of 
the country. The Hon. Thos. II. Benton, whdse brother 
was then in Texas speculating in Lands, proclaimed in 
the Senate of the United States that the time had passed 
when the A-meriaan government or its citizens should 
remain neutrals^ but that the only proper impulse now to 
be felt was a heart to sympathize with Texas and a hand 
to strike in her defence ; and such was the influence of 
circumstances at the time that our feelings were all carri- 
ed away by storm, and the unfortunate fate of the Ameri- 
cans at the Alamo and the unheard of cruelty of Santa 
Anna at Goliad soon after completely extinguished every 
just view of the subject, and curses loud aild deep resound- 
ed from our hill tops and re-echoed along our valleys 
throughout the vast extent of the country, from Maine to 
Louisiana. 

Every sea-port in the United States contributed men 
and money ; the noble steamers on the western waters 
were seen wending their way with succdrs for Texas ; 
the tenlples dedicated to the Worship of God \^^ere 
thronged to listen to recitals froni the pulpit of the reli> 
gious persecutions in Texas ; and thousands of dollars ana 
articles of clothing were contributed, and many a banner 
bearing the lone star of Texas was manufactured and 



HISTORY OF TEXAS 

embellished by the fair hands of our countrywomen, who 
ever alive to the voice of distress, were among the fore- 
most to stimulate and encourage their friends and relatives 
to seek distinction on the fair plains of Texas, and if need 
be to whiten with their bones the ground which they sup- 
ppsed had already absorbed the blood which would con- 
secrate their names to fanrie iri all time to come* 

Would Miat their hopes had been realized and- that 
many of those whose bosoms beat high with hopes of an 
honorable fame and Texan freedom had not been doomed 
to chagrin and disappointment, and received nothing in 
return but bitter repentance for all their sacrifices arid 
loilsi 

From the Lexington (Ky.) Gstzette. 
TO THE PUBLICO 

The undersigned j deem it an act of justice, not to 
thenlselves alone, but to the community of which they 
are members, more especially to those whose generous 
sympathies were so deeply enlisted in the cause of Texas 
to make known the causes which have induced them 
to abandon an enterprize, in which they em_barked with 
So many fortd and flattering hopes. They would have 
been glad to have been spared this painful task. They 
take no pleasure in the performance of an act, which 
may terld to check the universal current of kindness and 
sympathy which has been manifested by the people of 
Keiltucky^ towards the people of Texas, from tlio begin- 
ing of their revolution down to the present time. They 
have too distinct a recollection of their ovVri feelings when 
they quit their homesj td aid the cause, as they then 
thought, df civil and religioUs freedom, not to know thai 
their return and this brief expose of the motives which in- 
duced it, will cause a pang of mortification in many bo- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

soms which no\Y throb with exultation, in the hope of 
Texan freeJom. Nothing but a sense of duty — of the 
obligation which rests upon them to justify themselves, to 
the world, could now impel them to expose the unhappy 
civil and political condition of Texas 5 to declare, as they 
now do, their solemn convictions of her total unworthi. 
ness of aid or sympathy. We might perhaps be content 
with this declaration of our opinions^ but we will proceed 
briefly to fortify those opinions by a detail of facts. 

We will not dwell upon the false assurances made to 
us by men professing to bo the accredited agents of Tex- 
as in this country. At a time when the cause of Texas 
was dark and gloomy, when Santa Anna seemed destined 
to carry desolation over the whole country, those men 
were prodigal of promises, and professing to be authoriz- 
ed to speak in the name of the Texan Governmemt 
made assurances of ultimate remuneration which they 
knew at the time were false, and which tune proved to 
be so. But of this hereafter. The public were inform- 
ed at ihe time, of our extraordinary delay at New-Orleans. 
It was generally attributed to the neglect of the Texan 
agent at that place. There was a deeper cause. — 
The battle of San Jacinto had been fought and won; 
the President and Cabinet believing that the war was 
at an end, thought there would be no use for more 
volunteers, and if we could be delayed beyond th-? 
1st of July, we should lose the benefit of the provis- 
ions of the Decree in Council; that being the time for the 
operation of the act to expire. The President and Coun- 
cil actually issued a proclamation prohibiting the coming 
ill of additional volunteers. In the meantime, however, 
a rumor was circulated that the Mexicans were about to 
make anotiier effort to regain the country, and wei'e com- 
iiW, into Texas with 15,000 m^n, and w? were t'' en per- 



History of texas. 

hiitte'd to embark, — Captain Postlethwaite proceeding in 
advance with one hundred troops on the 2d day of July : 
Colonel Wilson remained with the residue, expecting to 
follow in a few days, but was in the manner before rela- 
ted, detained ten days. Col. W. got off on the 12th of 
tuly and arrived at Galveston after a passage of seven 
days. Captain P. had rilade his passage in four days. 
Captain P. being thus several days in advance of Colonel 
W., and having nothing to Occupy him, concluded to visit 
Velasco, the seat of government, for the purpose of mak 
ing a personal examination of the country and to ascer- 
tain if possible, its civil condition. On his arrival at Ve- 
lasco, he was introduced to president Burnet by a friend 
and presented a letter of introduction — which was opened, 
glanced at and thrown by \^ithout comment, Captain P. 
hot being asked to sit, or treated with common civility. 
Captain P. left President Burnet and returned to his ho- 
tel, where he had several distinct propositions made to him 
by offt.cers in the Texan service, to join them with the 
men under his command, avowing their object to be to 
scour the country and take every thing valuable which 
they could firid, until they had paid themselves, and then 
return to the United States, as they did not expect the 
Texan Government to pay them a cent for the ser- 
vices they had rendered or the expense they had incur- 
red ! ! Captain P. was then informed that the representa 
tions made by Texan agents in Kentucky of the right of 
volunteers to laiids were fahe— thai all right to head- 
right claims expired with the Declaration of Independ- 
ance, arid that no bounty lands would be given to any 
volunteers who arrived after the 1st day of July. Captain 
P. then returned to Galveston, at which placd Colonel 
W. had arrived in his absence, and communicated to hitn 
all the material facts winch he liad become possessed of 



HIS'lORY OF TEXAS 

at Velasco. Captain P. at tiiat time announced his reso- 
lution to return home, informing the Colonel that he had 
become sufficiently disgusted with the state of things at 
the Seat of Government* Colonel W. prevailed upon Cap- 
tain P. to remain at Galveston until he caold himself 
make a trip to Veiascp and see if something might not 
have occurred to change the aspect qf affairs. The Colo- 
nel proceeded to Velasco, presented his letter of iptrpducr 
tion to the President and was treated if possible, with 
still more incivility than Captain P. had been. Colonel 
W. returned to Galveston and announced all the facts 
to his men — and told them that he was willing to abide 
their decision^ to wit: either to join the main army or re- 
turn with them to the United States. 

Thi.3 was the reception we rnet with. Those who re- 
collected the diffiulties we encountered ir} raising the corps, 
the high hopes with which we were inspired by the plaus- 
ible and pathetic appeals made to us by I'exan agents in 
this country^the deep eijthusiasm which was evinced by 
the whole community when we bade adieu to our native 
country and homes, may form some adequate conception 
of our personal chagrin and mortification, when we plainly 
discovered that our presence was regarded by the authori- 
ties of the country as an intrusion, when we seemed to 
be looked upon as men who had come to claim that which 
had been won by the valour of others. Let any honorable 
man put the question to himself, and say, what could have 
been his feeling and what course of conduct his own 
sense of propriety would havQ dictated ? This however 
was personal to ourselves. We have said that Texas was 
unworthy of public aid or sympathy. 

We now state that our personal observation and un- 
doubted information enabled us fully to perceive, 1st, 
That the present population of Texas seemed wholly in- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

capable of a just idea of civil and political liberty and 
that so flir as the extension of liberal principles is con- 
cerned, it is of but little moment whether Mexico or Tex- 
as succeeds in the stmggle. 

2. That the mass of the people from the highest func- 
tionary of their pretended Government to the humblest 
citizen (with but few exceptions) are animated alone by a 
desire of joZw/iffer, and appear totally indifferent whom 
they plunder, friends or foes. 

ad. That even now there is really no organized Govern- 
ment in the country — no laws administered — no Judiciary 
— ra perpetual struggle going on between the Civil and Mil- 
itary Departments — and neither having the confidence of 
the people or being worthy of it. We will here state one 
or two facts which may tend to show the estimation in 
which they are respectively held by each other, and their 
capacity to enforce their orders. The Secretary of War 
came down with a (Quartermaster and steamboat to carry 
his loading consisting of provisions, clothing, &c. to the 
main army. Capt. S witzer, volunteer emigrant from Ohio, 
who had lately arrived, wanted some clothing for his mer^ 
and determined that unless he wasf$rst supplied with such 
articles as he desired, the expedition should not proceed. He. 
took possession of the fort under the command of Colo- 
nel Morgan, loaded the cannon, and prepared to fire on 
them if they attem.pted to move without his permission. 
He then sent a file of men on board and took the vessels 
into his ov/n possession and sent the honorable Secretary 
with his Quarter master and steamboat back to Velasco ! 
Again the President and Cabinet appointed General Lamar 
to the chief command of the Army— r the Army promptly 
refused to receive hini, and the power and authority of 
the Cabinet were contemptuously disregarded. The 4'' f?*!/ 



HISTORY OF TEXAS 

then, doubtlessly, after due deliberation, resolved that th? 
Cabinet was either corrupt or imbecile, (probably both} 
and it being necessary, in their opinion to get rid of them 
determined to do so bya summary process. They there- 
fore sent on an officer with instruGtions,/ori/iU5i//i to anxst 
them and bring them on to Head Quarters to he tried., ac- 
cording to mllitarii ilsitage. This order liowcver, was 
not executed, simply because the officer charged with its 
execution had not the physical force requisite. 

These facts and others sufficiently demonstrate this : 
that the Cabinet was deficient in all the requisites of a 
good government, and that no one in his senses, would 
trust hipiself, hia reputation or his fortunes to their charge 
or control. Clmrged with treason, hnbery and usurpation; 
weak in their councils^ and still weaker in power to en- 
force their orders ; we perceived at once that we must look 
for safety aild proper inducements elsewhere. We then 
turned our eyes to the army, and a scene still more dis- 
lieartening presented itself — undisciplined, and without 
an effort to become so — not a roll called nor a drill 
-^^110 regular encampment — no authority nor obedi- 
ence — with plundering parties for self emolument, robbing 
pi'ivate Individuals of their -property. We could see 
nothing to induce us to embark our fortunes and destinies 
v/ith them. With these views and facts we could but 
sicken and worlder at the vile deceptions which had been 
practised upon us ; yet we are told that this people had 
risen up in their might to vindicate the cause of civil and 
religious Liberty. It is a mockery of the very name of 
liiberty. They are stimulated by that motive, which such 
men can only appreciate, the hope of plunder. They are 
careless of the form of Government under which they 
live, if that government will tolerate licentiousness and 
disorder. Such is a brief but we sincerely believe, a faith- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



■Cm 



ful picture of a country to wluch we were invited with 
so much assiduity and such the manner in which we were 
received and treated. 

We might multiply facts, in support of each proposition 
here laid down, to shovv^ the miserable condition of things 
in Texas and the utter impossibility that a man of honor 
should embark in such a cause with such men. Should 
it be rendered nece-ssary, we may yet do so; but for 
the pre-sent we will pa«se with this remark, that if 
there be any, now, in Kentuck}^, whose hearts are an- 
imated with the desire of an honorable fame, or to secure 
a competent settlement for themselves or families, they 
must look to some other theatre than the Plains of Texas. 
We could say to them, Hste7i not to the deceitful and 
hypocritical allurements of land speculators, who wish you 
to Jight for their benefit and who are as liberal of their 
promises as they are faitldess in performance. We are 
aware of the responsibility which we incur by this 
coui'se. We are aware that we subject ourselves 
to the misrepresentations of hired agents and unprincipled 
land mongers. But we are willing to meet it all, rely- 
ing upon the integrity of our motives and the correctness 
of our course. We left our native land^ our peaceful lire- 
sides with a solem^n resolution to devote our undivided 
energies to stop the course of Mexican desolation and 
build up a free and flourishing Commonwealth. The 
very fa^ctof our going, sufficiently indicates the depth and 
sincerity of our devotion to the cause. Our return and 
the circumstances which caused it, equally proclaim our 
infatuation. That others may not be alike deluded, is 
an additional motive with us to make this publication 
EDWARD J. WILSON. 
O. L. POSTLETHWAITE. 
34 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Should Texas again, and she most likely will, need our 
assistance, it remains to be seen what poi-tion of our peo- 
ple can thus a second time be made the victims of a gen- 
erous credulty — io forget their duties to themselves, fam- 
ilies and countr}^, as well as a proper regard for the rights 
of foreign nations with whom the United States are at 
peace, and whose government is bound by every princi- 
ple of honor and duty to restrain its citizens from commit- 
ting acts incompatible with treaty stipulations and that 
code of law, which by common consent, regulates the con- 
duct of nations as well as individuals ; and it should be 
hoped that future administrations will entertain a most sa- 
cred regard for their solemn obligations while our citizens 
will learn wisdom from former misfortunes, and that the 
Texan expedition will forever stand prominent as beacons 
of light and warning and as monuments of many gallant 
and high minded men, who returned to their native shores 
no more, but whose bones yet whiten the Texan prairies, 
unhonored and unmouraed by the people in whose service 
their lives were made a willing sacrifice. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Acrisis had now arrived and war with all its horrors was 
about to commence in earnest ; it was a question to be 
decided by the sword, whether one part qf the Mexican 
confederacy could thus wantonly trample upder foot the 
(Jonstitution and laws they had solemnly sworn to sup- 
port and not cease to leave desolation in their train, until 
they were reveling in the Halls of the Montazumas, as 
the organs of these pinks of chivalry had exultingly pro- 
claimed. The Mexican people with a highly honorable 
unanimity, headed by Saiiita Anna, we.re at length convinc- 
<id that all hopes of a peaceable adjustment were at an 
end, and as a last resort the in^plen^ents of destruction 
were prepared and the line of March taken up for the 
plains of Texas, which were soon to be dyed with human 
bloodo 

San Antonia (Alamo) and Goliad were }eiia possession 
cf the Texan ti'oops, and 3000 Mexicans were ordered to 
rendezvous at Metamoras, in order to operate, first against 
the two former posts and afterwards wherever an enemy 
was to be found. On the 21st of February 1836 Gener- 
als Sessma, Filasola and Cos were ordered to lead one 
divisioQ of the Mexican army on San Antonia, Generals 



ttlSTOHY OF TEXAS. 

Urrera and Gary a second against Goliad, and the third 
division commanded by Santa Anna in person, was to move 
on as circumstances might require. 

A time had now arrived that would test the courage 
of those chivalric gentlemen who had for many years 
been sowing the seeds of discord and who had been so 
wonderfully brave when no enemy was at hand, but now 
when his Mexican highness was coming in battle array, 
could not be found at the post of danger, but left the 
United States volunteers to shift for themselves and waste 
their blood with in the gloomy walls of the Alamo, and on the 
more disastrous plain around the fortress of Goliad where 
the first organized attack had been made upon the Mexi- 
can soldiers, who had long protected the colony. The 
first division of the Mexican army appeared before San 
Antonia on the 23d, and of the progress of events im- 
mediately after, some knowledge may be gained by sev- 
eral letters which w^ere written by the commanding offi- 
cer, Col. Travis; the first, on the day after the Mexicans 
appeared, and the last bears date the 3d of March 183G. 
I am besieged (says Travis) by a thousand Mexicans, and 
have sustained for 24 hours a continual bombardment anci 
cannonade, without any loss, and the enemy have demand- 
ed a surrender, otherwise the garrison is to be put to the 
sword ; this summons I answered with a cannonshot, and 
our flag still waves from the walls. Victory or death is 
my motto, and I will never surrender nor retreat. 

In other letters to friends in Texas, he says, with only 
140 men I am here in fine spirits, having defended the 
Alamo for 10 days against a force variously estimated ai 
from 1500 to 3000 strong, and unless I get relief from 
my countrymen, I will perish in its defence. With 500 
more men I could drive the Mexicans beyond the Rio 
Grande and visit vengeance on the enemies of Texas, 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

whether these are bold invaders or those pusillanimous 
knaves who have preached loud for war but have not the 
souls to fight when their services are needed. 

On the 3d of March, he informed the convention then 
jn session at Washington, that from the 24th of Febuary the 
enemy had kept up a constant cannonade and were busy 
encircling the fort with entrenchments, that for want of 
aid there was much to depress the spirits of his men, con^ 
tending at such fearful odds of 140 against a well appoint- 
ed army of several tiiousand strong and that a reinforce- 
ment was then entering the town, which from the shouts 
of ui3 soldiers he supposed was commanded by the Mex- 
ican President. That he had repeatedly sent e^cpresses to 
head quarters and to Col. Fannin at Goliad for aid, but 
had received none, and that unless he was soon reinforc- 
ed, he would be compelled to fight the Mexicans on their 
own terms. But, he continues, I feel confident that the 
determined valour and desperate courage of my men, 
will not fail them in the last struggle and although we may 
be sacrificed, the victory will cost the enemy so dear 
that it will be but little better than a defeat. Will those 
who have instigated this war and thrust us in the front 
rank now desert us? If such is their valor I will perish 
in defence of this post and my bones shall reproach my 
countrymen for their cruel neglect. 

The foregoing was the last billet kjiown to have been 
penned by Col. Travis ; him arjd his little band fell to a 
man, and there is not a doubt but their lives were dearly 
sold and the victory gained over them but little better 
than a defeat ; that such men should have been deserted 
find left to battle alone, reflects deep and lasting disgrace 
upon many who long had been clamorous for war, and 
i;i the language of the lamented Travis, his own and his 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

brave corilradciS borieS will be an everlasting disgrace, to 
those who deserted him in this px-essing extremity. 
Everything connected with the fall of- the Alamo is deemed 
interesting, and well do I remember the emotions created 
lii rriy dwii boSom, when reading soon after, a partial ac- 
count of this dreadful tragedy;, and to obtain correct in- 
formation respecting the iriveStmerit of Ihis fort and the 
last earthly acts of 140 of my countrymen I was at much 
paiils, and have felt the deepest solicitude* With the 
exceptiori of Mrs. Dickinson and Col. Travis' servant, not 
one of the American party escaped to tell the tale, but 
each and every man battled with a heroism worthy of a 
better cause, and v>'hen gazing on the ruins of the Alamo; 
' he true hearted Aniericari will drOp a tear to their memo- 
ry arid mdurn that such men should not have met a bet- 
tor fate. 

During part of my sojourn in Texas, Mrs. Dickiiisoii 
resided at Houston, and feeling as I did a melancholy in- 
terest in her history, I was introduced by a friend 
and had differeiit and repeated conversations with herj 
touching the events at the Alairlo and her own forlorri 
and distressing situation there; It was riot however to 
be expected that she could detail very correctly every 
occurrerice, and feelings of delicacy forbid me to enquire 
particularly respecting her treatment while a prisoner iii 
the Mexican camp. She corrobrated in substance the 
foregoing letters from Col. Travis, arid was positive, that 
(?very man in the garrison was slain, and among the num- 
ber her own husband and only friend, eiceptone helpless 
child now at the time I write about five years old ; with 
this infant and Col. Travis' black man she was escorted 
to the Te.tan head quarters, then at Gonzales on the Gau- 
dalope River, Santa Anna sending his own servant to as- 
sist her safe. When Santa Anna subsequently fell into 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

t1ie haikls ot t,he Texaiis, tiic journal of his private Secre* 
tary was captured too, from which I was permitted to 
make a few extracts and insert them here for the infor- 
mation of tlie reader. "Feb. 27th 1836. The President 
went out to reconnoirter, was observed by the enemy and 
shot at twice. 28. News of a reinforcement coming to 
the enemy by the Road from Labahia. 29. Iii the after- 
noon the battahon of Allende took post at the east end 
of the Alamo. March 1st. Early in the morniag Gen. 
Lessma wrote from the Mission De La Espader, that no ^ 
trace of enemies could be discovered, his cavalry and in- 
fanty returned to camp at 12 o'clock at night; in the 
course of the day the enemy fitted tw^o 12 pouiiders at 
the President's house, one of which took effect. 3d. The 
enemy tired a few rounds at the City. 

1 wrote to Mexico and requested that my letters should 
be 5jent to Bexar, and that before three months the cam- 
pain would be ended. Official dispatches were received 
from Gen. Urnea, announcing that he had routed the col- 
onists of San Patracia, killing 16, and taking 21 prisoners. 
The bells were rung. The enemy attempted a sally iA 
the night, at the sugar mill, but were repulsed. 4th, com- 
menced firing early, which the ehem.y did not return, but 
fired a few shots at us in the afternoon. A meeting of 
Generals and Colonels was held, and after a long confer- 
arice, Gens. Cos, Castrillion and others were of opinion 
that the Alamo should be assaulted after the arrival of 
two 12 pounders expected on the 7th. The President, 
and Gen. Ramisers and myself thought the cannon should 
not be waited for. In this state things remained, the coun- 
cil not coming to any definite conclusion. The assault 
took place on tiie night of the 7th, and some circumstan- 
ces attending it were narrated to me by a gentleman for- 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

merly an officer in the Texcn army, wnich he had obtained 
from Santa Anna's servant, who after the battle of San 
Jacinto was cook for Gen. Houston. The statements of 
this servant were generally relied on by those who knew 
him, and he contradicted in the most positive terms the 
oft repeated rumor that the dead bodies of the Americans 
were burnt. On the night &f the 7th, Santa Anna order- 
ed this servant to prepare and keep refreshments ready all 
night, and he stated that Santa x'Vnna appeared cast down 
and discontented, and did not retire to rest at all. That 
accompanied by his private Secretary the General went 
out about 1 1 o'clock and did not return until 3 in the morn- 
ing ; that he served them with coffee of which Santa Anna 
took but little, and seemed much excited, and observed^ 
to Almonte, that if the garrison could be induced to sur-. 
lender, he would be content ; for said he, if they will 
not, I well know, that every man before the dawn of day 
must, unprepared, meet his God. But what more can 1 
do 5 my summonses, said he, are treated with disdain ; i1 
appears to me the only alternative presented is to assault 
the garrison ; we cannot delay longer here wasting the 
resources of the nation and any termination of the af 
fair will relieve, me of a load of anxiety. He furthei 
stated that at 4 o'clock Santa Anna and other offi 
cers left the house, and very soon a tremendous discharge 
of cannon told that the work of death was began ; he 
saw rockets in awful brilliancy blazing through the 
darkness of the night, and the walls and grounds of the 
Alamo reflected the light so that from a window he could 
plainly perceive columns of Mexican troops around the 
fort and ascending the walls on ladders, and that the whole 
interior of the Alamo was perfectly illuminated, as he 
supposed, by the firing of the Americans within ; and that 
the old servant feelingly remarked that he liked master Santa 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Anna, but that when he heard the thunders of the artillery 
and saw blazing rockets gleaming through the air, he 
thought of Master George Washington and old Virginia, 
and prayed to God that the Americans might whip. 

Before day light the firing had ceased and every thing 
was again wrapped in silence and gloom, when Santa Anna 
and his staff returned, one of them remarking that the 
victory had cost more than it was worth and that many 
such would ruin them. At day light this servant who 
had seen Col. Crockett at the city of Washington many 
years ago, and perhaps Col. Travis and Bowie, was ta- 
ken to the fort to designate their bodies ; he done so, and 
found no less than 16 dead Mexicans around the corpse 
of Colonel Crockett and one across it with the huge knife 
of Davy buried in the Mexican's bosom to the hilt. Ho* 
stated that these three bodies were interred in the same grave 
separate from all the rest, and that he heard the Mexi- 
can officers say that their own loss was about 1200 men. 

A street in the city of Houston perpetuates the name of 
Travis, and another that of his unfortunate comrade Col. 
Fannin, who commanded at Goliad ; but it seems the Tex- 
ans can forget honest Davy Crockett, for not a street or even 
a stone recalls to mind the brilliant career of this singular 
man, who commenced life in poverty and obscurity, but 
somehow wore his way to conspicuous stations, if not to 
an honorable fame ; and had he remained with his wite 
and children in Tennessee instead of espousing the cause 
of the war party in Texas, he probably would have es- 
caped a premature death as well as the unenviable charge 
that he was a victim of unhallowed ambition. But I can 
feel no desire to indulge in feelings of censure against the 
living or the dead, who were engaged in this unhappy 
afiiiir at the Alamo : the facts as far as 1 have been a])l6 to 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

Team them are fairly stated and the ashes of the heroes 
should rest in peace. 

All around them a mighty pile arose, 

And iron grated gates ineir strength oppose ; 

To each invading ptep*— and strong and deep, 

The battled walls stood proud— the ditch sunk deep ; 

Quick around the fortress ran a limpid stream, 

And high above all, the Warden's turret gleamed. 

Gen. Houston was now in command of all the Texan for- 
ces and had pitched his tent at Gonzales on the Gaudalope; 
but when he received intelligence of the fall of the Alamo, 
he expected the advance and probably the concentration 
of all the enemy's forces and deemed it prudent to fall 
back to the Colorado, having first ordered Col. Fannin 
to abandon Goliad and retreat to Victoria. For some 
cause unknown to m.e Col. Fahniii remained at Goliad 
until the 14th of March, when one division of the Mexi- 
can army appeared before that place and immediately com- 
menced an attack. Col. Fannin's whole force was 
about 400 men, aiid they seemed to have thought them- 
selves quite a match for the whole division of Mexicans 
whom they met on the plain, and handled rough enough 
until dark separated the combatants with 17 killed and 
wounded of the beseiged, and about double the number of 
Mexicans, according to most accounts respecting the af- 
fair. 

Early next morning Col. Fannin abandoned the fort 
with the intention of effecting a junction with the com- 
mander-in-chief. This advanced guard under the com- 
mand of Col. Horton speedily effected a crossing of the 
river, but the main army attempting to ford lower down 
were delayed for some hours, which gave the Mexicans 
time to mature their plan of operations ; the termination 
of which was most fatal for the retreating foe who 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

after marching but 10 miles found it necessary to halt, 
when the guard was some distance irl advance.— 
In this situation they were pursued and attacked, and the 
guard which was detached expressly to give alarm of 
any approaching eheniy, was cut off from the main body 
and that surrounded by about 1,600 Mexican troops. 

Here agairi the Texans, or rather the volunteers from 
the United States gave fresh proof of an invincible cour- 
age, contending with four times there number from 2 
o'clock until dark when the corttest, as if by mutual 
consent, ended for the night. In this engagement the 
Mexican loss was reported at 600 killed while that of 
their opponents was only 7 men killed, but such statements 
cannot always be I'elied on as true, although a subsequent 
battle at San Jacinto terminated in far greater dispropor- 
tion than even this. At dawri of day the national air cf the 
Yankees (Yankee doodle) proclaimed that our fag was 
still there and the contest on their part was about to be re- 
newed with increased vigour wheri a flag of truce sudden- 
ly appeared in the Mexican camp. The belligerant com- 
manders held a conference between the two armies, and 
it is generally believed that a treaty was drawn up and 
signed by both parties providing for the present treat- 
ment of Fannin and his command as prisoners of war ; 
the volunteers to be shipped at the expense of the Mexi- 
can government to the United States as soon as possible, 
and the few Texans exchanged for Mexican prisoners. 

Under such circumstances they were escorted back to 
Goliad, and on the third day a tragedy was acted that 
surpasses in cruelty arid barbarity anything recorded in 
the whole annals of warfare, leaving only six out of four 
hundred defenceless men to tell the sad story of the fate 
of their comrades : one of these six I became intimately 
acquainted with, while in Texas and his statements wer^ 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

substantially as follows: — On the morning of the 17th 
of March the prisoners were paraded, when each heart 
leaped for joy at the approaching prospect of freedom 
and perhaps many were already anticipating a happy meet- 
ing with relatives and friends ; but when they had marched 
about one mile from the fort they formed into small hol- 
low squares encircled on every side by armed Mexicans, 
when suddenly the work of murder was begun — the 
Americans had been disarmed ; were entirely at the mer- 
cy of these banditti : that the report of fire arms and tha 
groans, shrieks and prayers of the victims resounded anJ 
reverberated in solenin and awful confusion — that he bound- 
ed over the prairie he did not kno\v how, or where, and 
made good his escape. 

For this horrid affair, Santa Anna is deservedly blam.ed. 
Although the laws of war are stern and uncompromising 
and this war was attended with many aggravating circum- 
stances, yet Santa Anna's conduct here reflects deep 
and lasting disgrace upon an officer whose general con- 
duct before had indicated the possession of an elevated 
mind and heart, full of mercy. Doubtless he expected 
to strike terror into the brensts of his enemies and drown 
rebellion in fear ; but he mistook the people with whom 
he was now contending, for the massacre at ther Alamo 
and the butchery at Goliad proved dragon's teeth indeed 
and produced thousands of armed men ready for the 
fight. 

The 17th day of March was the death knell of Santa 
Anna, and all his greatness, and his name will go down 
to posterity branded w^ith eternal infamy for murder- 
i-iig his brave but misguided fellow creatures, who were 
defenceless and completely in his power. It is said ho 
was goaded to desperation, but this if true is no justifica- 
tion ; that man who can under any circumstances sport 



History of texas. 




HISTORY OF TEXAS. 

with the misfortunes of his fellow creatures and trample 
^1 the dust those at his mercy is guilty of the blackest of 
all in the dark catalogue of crimes, and should be forever 
d.etested by all mankind whose hearts are not wholly in- 
sensible to one generous throb. 

Gen. Houston, who as before stated had retreated to 
to the Colorado rive;r had remained at the same post un- 
til the 26th of March, his forces daily augmenting, and 
had up to this time increased from 300 to upwards of 
1 800 men, who were now longing for an opportunity to 
take summary vengeance for the late appalling acts of the 
Ttlexican chief. The Mexican army now approached, and 
one division under the command of Gen. Sesma was 
near Houston's head quarters when the General conclud- 
ed his position was insecure and he suddenly retreated to. 
the Brassos. This movement was received with surprise 
and indignation at the time, and has since been the theme 
of much angry discussion, and under all the circumstan- 
ces, was probably neither wise or expedient ; for although 
the. achievements of the army under his command were 
eventually of the most brilliant kind, yet many believe 
that the campaign might, with equal results, have been 
ended on the Colorado, without mortifying the feelings 
of his men and creating a general distrust in him, and 
without the additional expense of prolonging the war. 
Certain it is, that his whole force was extremely 
anxious to meet the enemy, and that in numbers 
they were in about equal proportion to what they were 
afterwards at the memorable field of San Jacinto, where 
only one division of the enemy had to be encountered so 
much after this retreat was the Texan army reduced by 
desertions from his standard, this crusade to the Brassos 
being the only cause of comolaint. 



THE WAU WITH MEXICO 



It would be superfluous to narrate here all the circurnstancep 
eonnected with the annexation of Texas, or to give details of the' 
difficulties with Mexico. 

On the 15th of June, 1845, a communication was addressed to 
General Taylor, by the Secretary of War, informing hirti that on 
the 4th of July the convention cf the people of Texas would pro- 
bably accept the propositioh of ' annexation, and instructing hirj 
1,0 advance to the mouth of the Sabine, or to such other point on 
the Gulf of Mexico as he might judge most convenient for an 
embarkation at the proper tiniefor the western iVontier of Texas, 
He uses the following language: " The point of your ultimate 
destination is the western frontier of Texas, where you will select 
and occupy, on or near the Rio Grande del Norte, such a site ac 
Vv-ill consist v/iUi tiie health of the ti-oops, ?<.nd will be best adapted 
to repel invasion, and to protect what, in the event of annexation, 
will be our western border. You will limit yourself to the de- 
fence of the territory cf Texas, unless Mexico shall declare war 
against the United States."' 

As was anticipated, the convention of Texas, on the 4th of 
July, 1S45, by an unanimous vote, accepted the terms of annexa- 
tion offered by the Congress of the United States. 

At the same time, General Taylor received a letter from our 
minister in Texas, infot-ming him of the acceptance of the terms' 
of annexa^tion proffered by Congress. On the next day, he left 
New Orleans with a portion of his troops for western Texas, and 
arrived at St. Joseph's Island (Aransas Inlet) July 25th, and sooa 
after established his q^uarters at Corpus Christi. 

General. Taylor, with his army, left Corpus Christi for the Rio 
Grande, on the 8th of March, 1846, and arrived at his encamp- 
ment, March 2Slh. On hi,5 march he \Vas met at two or three 
points by Mexican troops, but ofi'ered tbem no molestation.-— 
When he arrived at Point Isabel he Avas met by a deputation of 
50 armed citizens, with some functionary at their head, who pre- 
Eented him a paper, protesting against his occupying the country. 
The General did not stop to discuss the matter vi'ith them, but 
told them very concisely, "He would give them an answer when 
he reached Matamoras." Ho had the Point surveyed, and a 
"work was thrown up with a view to its defence. 



TllS WAR WITH MEXICO. 

Surprise and Surrender of Captain Thornton's Comma^id. 

On the evening of ihe 23d of April, General Taylor's spies 
brought in intelligence that about 2.500 Mexicans !iad crossed 
the Rio Grande to the Texas side aboVe the American foi-f, and 
that about 1500 ot' the same had crossed below. Gen. T. imme- 
diately despatched a squadron of dragoons to each ])lac.e of 
crossing for the purpose of rcconnoitering them and ascertaining 
their position. The squadron ordered below was in command of 
Capt. Ker, the one above was commanded by Capt. Thorntoa 
and composed of Capt. Hardee, Lieuts. Kane and Mason, with 
sixty-one privates and non-connnissioned officers. The former 
commander, Capt, Ker, on arriving at the point where it waa 
supposed they had crossed, found that the report was false, that 
ihey had not crossed there but had all crossed above, which was 
afterwards proved by Capt. T.'s command being surprised, in 
which Lieut. Geo. Mason with nine men were killed and two 
wounded. The wounded were sent to Gen, Taylor's camp, the 
army having no hospital in the field. Capts. Thornton, H'ardee 
and Lieut. Kane miraculously escaped, together with the balance 
of tiie non-commissioned officers and men, but were captured 
and taken to Metamoras. The circumstances which led to the 
surprise are these: After Captain Thornton's command had pro- 
ceeded up the Rio Grande about twenty-four miles, and as was 
eupposed, to within about three miles of the Mexican camp, the 
guide re."'u'5pd to go any farther, and stated' for his reason that the 
whole country was infested with Mexicans. Capt. Thornton, 
however, proceeded on with his command about two miles when 
he came to a farni-hoas?e, which was enclosed entirely by a chap- 
arral fence,, with the excejition of that portion of it whicli bor- 
dered on the river, and tin's was so boggy as to be impassable. 
Capt. T. entered this enclosure throuirb a pair of bars, and ap- 
proached the house for the purpose of n^aking some inquiry, hia 
command following him. When they had all entered the enclo- 
sure, the enemy having been concealed in the chaparral, about 
two thousand five hundred in number, completely surrounded 
Jiim and commenced firing upon his command. He then wheeled 
his command, thinking that he could charge thfough the enemy 
end pass out where he had entered, not howiRver without a con- 
siderable loss. This he attempted, but did not succeed, tlie ene- 
my being too strong. At this instant, Capt. Hardee approached 
hJtn for the purpose of advising him how to extricate themselves. 
The fire of the enemy still continuing, Capt. Thornton's horse, 
having received a shot, ran away with him and leaped the chap- 
orral fence and plunged over a precipice, wliere he fell, with 
Capt. T. under him, where the latter remained insensible for five 
cr six hours. This casualty placed Capt. Hardee in command. 
TCho attem.pted with the residue to make his escape by the river, 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

intending on arriving at its margin to swim it. In this he failed, 
finding- it so boggy that he could not get to it. He then return- 
ed, taking the precaution to get out ofdistance >f musketry, dis- 
mounfed^and examined ihe arms of liis men, determining to sell 
their lives as dearly as possible. Before he had aucceeded, how- 
ever, in the inspection of his arms, a Mexican officer node up and 
asked him to surrender. Capt. Hardee replied that he wouH. 
surrender on one condition, which was, that if the Mexican Gen- 
eral would receive them as prisoners of war, and treat them a9 
the most civilized nations do, he would surrender, but on no other 
condition. 

The Mexican officer bore this message to the General com- 
manding, and returned with tke assurance that he would. Cap- 
ta m Hardee then surrendered. 

Whilst General Taylor was thus busily engaged in rurlii"ylng 
hi 6 camp opposite Matamoras, the d'j.riger of iiis situation was 
h lurly increasing. All commjunicalion between Point Isabel and 
tl e American entrenchments, opposite Matamoras, had been cut 
oif; and the Mexicans werR in force upon either flank and in the 
r< ar of the army. Though the field works of General Taylor 
were so scientifically con&iructed that there was not any appre- 
hension that they could bo carried by storm, yet the posture of 
affairs was very unsniigfaclory. 

The army was svirrounded by numerous bodies of troops ; the 
enemy was being reinforced by daily acquisitions ; several com- 
panies o-f Americans, sent out upon scouting service, had been 
cut to pieces or captured; in every encounter the United States 
had suffered; it was feared that Point Isabel had been carried by 
overwhelmin(| numbers, and serious apprehensions were fast 
gaining upon the public mind for the safety of the entire army. 

Had Point Isabel been carried, there wpuld have been abun- 
dant grounds for all the alann that w.jis felt. 

On Sunday morning, the 3d of May,, about day-break, the 
Mexicans, taking advantage of General Taylor's absence, open- 
ed a heavy cr^nnonading upon the American fort, throwing balls 
and shells with little intermission, until near midnight. In the 
mean time, the enemy's guns, all but one mortar, were silenced 
by our fort. Major Brown lost one sergeant, who was shot in 
the. head by a three pound ball; he was taken to the hospital, 
and there a shell fell and blew off the remainder of his head. 
By the explosion of another shnU, an artillery soldier was wound- 
ed. Early on the morning of the 4th, the Mexicans opened again, 
sending shot and shells, but without doing any material damage. 

The engagement continued for seven days, durir^g most of which 
time a number of men under the direction of Capt. Mansfield, were 
engaged night and day in completing the works; the fire of the 
enemy not for a moment arresting the progress of their opera^ 
■frions, and notwithstanding a large number of shot and shells 
35 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

thrown by the enemy, the American loss was but two killed 
Major Brown and Sergeant Weigart, and thirteen wounded. 

Rattle of Palo Alto, 

Point lca,b.el having been relieved, the main body of the army 
of occupation marched out on the evening of the 7th of May, 
and bivouacked about seven iriiles from that place. 

Our march, says the General in his official despatch, was rs- 
Gumed the following morning. About noon, when our advanca 
of cavalry had reached the water-hole of " Palo Alto," the Mexi- 
can troops \yere reported in our front, and were soon discovered, 
occupying the road in force. I ordered a halt upon reaching the 
water, with a view to rest and refresh the men, and to form delib- 
erately our line of battle. The Mexican line was now plainly 
visible across the prairie, and about three quarters of a mile dis- 
tant. Their left, v;hich was composed cf a heavy force of cavalry, 
occupied the road, resting upo-n a thicket of chapR.rral, while 
niasses of infantry were discovered in succession on the right, 
greatly ouftt)mhering our own force. 

Our line of battle was now formed in the following order, com- 
mencing on the extreme right: — 5th infantry, commanded by 
Lieut. Col. Mcintosh; Major Ringgold's artillery; 3d infantry, 
commanded by Capt. L. N. Morris; two 18-pounders, commanded 
by Lieut. Churchill, 3d artillery; 4tb infantrj'^, commanded by 
Major G W.Allen; the 3d and 4th regiments conaposed the third 
brigade, under command of Lieut. Col. Garland ; and all the 
above corps, together with two squadrons of dragoons under Cap- 
tiains Ker and May, composed the right wing, under the orders 
of Col. Twiggs. The left was form.ed by the battalion of artil- 
lery commanded by Lieut. Col. Childs, Capt. Duncan's light ar- 
tillery, and the 8th infantry, under Capt. Montgomery — all form- 
ing the first brigade, under command of Lieut. Col. Belknap. — 
The train was packed near the water, under direction of Cap- 
tains Grossman and Myers, ajid, protected by Captain Ker's 
squadron. 

At two o'clock we took up the march by heads of columns, in 
the direction of the enemy — the 18-pounder battery following the 
road. While the columns were advartcing, Lieut. Blake, topo- 
graphical engineers, volunteered a reconnoisance of the enemy's 
line, which was handsomely performed, and resulted in the dis- 
covery of a't least two batteries of artillery in the intervals of their 
cavalry and infantry. These batteries v/ere soon opened upon 
us, when I ordered the columns halted and deployed into line, 
and the fire to be returned by all our artillery. The 8th infan- 
try, on our extreme left, was thrown back to secure that flank. — 
The first fires of (he enemy did little execution, while our 18, 
pounders and Major Ringgold's artillery soon dispersed the ca. 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO 

valry which formed his left. Captain Duncan's battery, thrown 
forward in advance of the line, was doing good execution at this 
time. Capt. May's squadron vyas now detached to support tliat 
battery, ^nd the left oi our pcgition. The Mexican cavalry, with 
two pieces of artillery, were now reported to be moving through 
the chaparral to our right, to threaten that flank, or make a de- 
monstration against the train. The 5th ini^i^ntry was immediately 
detached to check this movement, and supported hy Lieut. Ridge- 
ley, with a section of Major Ringgold's battery and Capt. Walk- 
er's company of volunteers, elfectqally repulsed the enemy — the 
Sth infantry repelling a charge of lancers, and the artillery doing 
great execution in their ranks. The 3d infantr}'^ was now de- 
tached to the right as a still further security to that flank yet 
threatened by the enemy. Major Ringgold, with the remaining 
section, kept up his fire from an advanced position, and was sup- 
ported by the 4th infantry. 

The grass of the prairie had been accidentalK^ fired by our ar- 
tillery, and the volumes of smoke now partially concealed the 
armies from each other. As the enemy's left had evidently been 
driven back and left the road free, as the cannonade had been 
suspended, I ordered forward the 18-pounders on the road nearly 
to the position first occupied by the Mexican cavalry, and caused 
the first brigade to take up a new position still on the left of the 
iS-pounder battery. The 5th was advanced i'rom its former po- 
sition and occupied a point on the extreme right of the new line. 
The enemy made a change of position corresponding to our 
own, and after a suspension of nearly an hour the action was re- 
sumed. 

The fire of artillery was now most destructive — -.openings were 
constantly made through the enemy's ranks by our fire, and the 
constancy v/ith v.'hich the Mexican infantry sustained this severe 
cannonade was a theme of universal remark and admiration. — 
Capt. May's squadron was detached to make a demonstration on 
the left of the enemy's position, and suffered severely from the fire 
of artillery to which it was for some time exposed. The 4th in- 
fantry which had been ordered to support the i8-pounder battery 
was exposed to a most galling fire of artillery, by which severaV 
men were killed and Captain Page dangerously wounded. The 
enemy's fire was directed against our 18-pounder battery, and the 
gans under Major Ringgold in its vicinity. The Majop=.himself, 
while coolly directing the fire of his pieces, was struck by a can- 
non ball and mortally wounded. 

In the mean time the battalion of artillery under Lieut. Coi. 
Childs, had been brought up to support the artillery on our right. 
A strong demonstration of cavalry was now made by llie enemy 
ftgainst this part o/ our line, and the column continued to advance 
under a severe fire from the IS-pounders. The battalion was 
instantly formed in square, and held ready to receive the charge 



tHE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

df cavalry, but when the advancing squadrons were within clo86 
range a deadly fire of cannister from the 18-pounders dispersed 
them. A brisk fire of small arms was now opened upon the 
equare, by which one officer, Lieutenant Luther, 2d artillery, waa 
slightly vvounded, but a well directed volley from the front of the 
equare silenced all fui-ther firing O-otn the enemy in this quarter. 
It was now nearly dark, and the action was closed on the right of 
our line, the enemy having been completely driven back from his 
position, and ibiled'in ev'ery attempt against our line. 

While the above was going forward ca our right and under my 
own eye, thb enemy had made a serious attempt against the lelt 
of our lirie. Captain Duncan instantly perceived the movement, 
and by the bold and brilliant manoeuvring of his battery, com- 
pletely repulsed several successive eftbrls of the enemy to ad- 
vance in force upon our left flank. Supported in succession by 
the 8th infantry and Capt. Ker's squadron of dragoons, he gal- 
lantly held the enemy at bay, and finally drove him, with im- 
mense loss, from the field. Tlie action here and along the whole 
line continued until dark, when the enemy retired into the chapar- 
ral in rear of his position. Our army bivouacked on the ground 
it occupied. During the afternoon the train had been moved 
forward abotat half a mile, and vvas packed in rear of the new 
positibn. 

The American force engaged in this battle, according to thfe 
field report, is shown to have been 2238, of whom 177 were offi- 
cers. The force of the Mexicans, according' to their own officers, 
taken prisoners on the following day, was at least GOOO regulars, 
and an unknown number of irregular troops, with ten pieces of 
artillery. Their loss was nearly four hundred killed and vvound- 
ed, while only nine Americans were killed, forty-foiir wounded, 
and two missing. The death of Major Ringgold was a source 
of great regret throughout the Union, as he was one of our 
bravest and most valuable officers, and one of the most distin- 
guished light artillery commanders in the world. The wound 
received by Capt. Page was horrible. His whole lower jaw was 
shot away, together with part of his tongue and palate, yet, 
strange to say, he survived until the 12th of July. 

Battle of Resaca de Id, Phlmtt. 

The following is Gen. Taylor's despatch, giving a detailed ac- 
cdunt of the battle ol Resaca de la Palma: 

SiR^— I have the honor to state that early in the morning of the 
9th inst., the enemy tvho had encamped near the field of battle ol 
the day previous, x^as discovered moving by his left flank, evi- 
dently in retreat, and perhaps at the same time to gain a new* 
position on the road to Matamoras, and there again resist ouf 
advances 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

I ordered the supply trsin to be stpongly packed at its position, 
and left with it four pieces of artiilery--the two IS-pounders 
which had done eucii good service oti the previous day— and two 
12-pounders which had not been in the action. The wounded 
olficers and men were at the same time §ent bapk to Point Isabel 
1 then moved forward with the coKimns to the e'cjge qf the chapar- 
ral or forest, which extends to the Rio Qrande, a distance of se'ven 
miles. The light companies of the 1st brigade, under Captain 
C. F. Smith. 2d artillery, and a select detachment of light troops, 
the whole under the command of C;iptain McCall, 4ih infantry! 
were thrown forward into the chaparral, to feel the enemy and 
ascertain his position. About three o'clock, I received a report 
from the advance, that the eneray vy^s in position on the road 
with at least two pieces of artillery. The command was imme- 
diately put in motion, and at about four o'clock I came up witli 
Captain McCall, who reported the enemy in force in our front; 
occupying a ravine which intersects the road and is skirted bv 
thickets of dense chaparral. Ridgely's battery and the a.ivance 
under Captain McCall were at once thrown forward on the road, 
and into the chapnrra! on either side, while the Qtli infantry and 
one wing of the 4th were thrown into the forest on the left, and 
the 3d and the other whig of the 4th, on the right of the road. 
These corps were employed as skirmishers to cover the battery 
and engage tlieiVIexican infantry. Captain McCali's command 
became at once engaged with the enemy, while the light artillery 
though ill a very e.xposed position, did great exec°uion. The 
enemy had at least eight pieces of artillery, and maintained an 
incessant fire upon our a(ivanceo 

The action now became general, and akhpugh the enemy's in- 
fantry gave way bi-fore the steady fire and resis'tlese progress d 
our own, yet his artillery was still in position to check our ad- 
vance—several pieces occupying the pass acros.-3 the ravine, 
which he had chosen for his po.sition. Perceiving that no deci- 
sive advantage could be gained unfl this artillery^was silenced, 
I prdef:ed Ci^ptain May to charge the batteries vyith his squadron 
of dragoons. Thisv/as gallandy and eflectually executed, the 
enemy was driven from his guns, and General La Vega, who re- 
mained alone at one of the batteries, was taken prisoner. The 
fequadron, which suffered much in this charge, not being imme- 
diately supported by infantry, could not retain possession of the 
artillery taken, but it was coinpleteiy silenced. In the meantime, 
the 8ih infantry !md been ordered up, and hail become warmly 
engaged on the right of the road. This regiment, and a part of 
the .5lh. were now ordered to charge the batteries, which was 
handsomely done, and the enemy entirely driven from his artil- 
lery and his position on the left of the road. 

The light companies of the 1st brigade, and the 3d and 4lli 
regiments of infantry, had been deployed on the right of the 



tHE WAR WItM Mtixico. 

road, where, at various points, they became briskly engaged with 
llie crleitiy. A small party under Captain Buchanan and Lieute- 
nants Wood and Hay.-j, 4ih infantry, coi*)posed chiefly of men of 
that regiment, drove the enenly frorti a breastwork which he oe- 
cupled, and captdred a piece i/f artillery. An attempt to recover 
this piece was repelled by Captain Barbourj 3d infantry. The 
edeniy was at last completely driven from iiis position on the 
right of the road, and retreated precipitately, leaving baggage 
of every description. The 4th infantry took possession of a 
camp vvliero the head-quarters of the Mexican general-in-chief 
were established. All his o'B.cial correspondence was captured 
at this pace. 

The artillery battalion (excepting the flank cdmpanies) had 
been ordered to guard the baggage train, which was packed 
^ome distance in rear. That battalion vtas now ordered up td 
pursue the enerriy, and vt-ith |he 3d infaniry, Captain Ker's dra- 
goons, and Captain Duncan's battery, followed him rapidly tO 
the river, making a number of prisoners. Great numbers of the 
enemy were drowned in atten)pting to cross the river near thfe 
town.' The corps last mentioned enca.iiped near the river, the 
remainder of the army on the field of battle. 

The strength of oiir marching force on this day. as exhibited 
in the annexed field report, was 173 olficers, and 2di9 men — ag- 
gregate, 2222. The actual nun^ber engaged with the enemy did 
not exceed 1700. Our loss was three officers killed and twelve 
wounded ; thirty-six men hilled and seventy-one wounded. — 
Among the officers killed, I have td regret the loss of Lieutenant 
Inge, 2d dragoons, who fell at the head of hi;! platddn, while gal- 
lantly charging the enemy's battery; of Lieutenant Cochrane, of 
ihe 3lh, and Lieutenant Chadbdurne, of the Sih infantry, who 
likewi^ae met tlieir death in the thickest of the fight. The ofHcerd 
wounded were Lieutenant-Colot::el Payne, inspector general ; 
Lieutenaiit Bol)bins, 3d inhmtry, serving with the lighc infantry 
advance, slightly; Lieutenant-Colonel iNlcintosh, 5th iniantry, 
severely, (twice,) Capt. Hooe. 5ih infantry, severely, (right arm 
since amputatetJ :) Lieutenant Fowler, 5th infantry, slightly ; 
Captain Montgomi ry, Sih infaniry, slightly; Lieutenants Gates 
and Jordan, Sth infantry, severely, (each twice;) Lieutenants Sel- 
den, Maclay, Burbankj and Morris, Sth infantry, slightly. A 
Gtatement ol" the killed and v7ounded is annexed herewith. 

1 have no accurate data from which to estimate the enettiy's 
force on this day. tic is known to have been reinforced after 
tlie action of the Sth, both by cavalry and infantry, and no doubt 
to an extent at ieast ec^ual to his loss on that day. It is probable 
that 6000 men were opposed to us, and in a position chosen b^ 
themselves, and strongly defended with artillery. The enemy's 
loss was very great. Nearly 200 of his dead were buried by U3 
On the day succeeding the battle. His loss in killed, wounded 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

fend missinf, in the two Rffiiirs of the 8th knU 9th, is, I thinkj 
moderately estimated at 1000 men. 

Our victory has been derisive. A small force has overcome 
immense odds of the best troops that Mexico can furnish — vete- 
ran regmients perfectly equipped and appointed. Eight pieces 
of artillery, several colors and standards, a great number of pri- 
soners, including foxirteen officers, and a large amount of baggage 
and public property, have fallen into our hands. 

The causes of victory are doubtless to he found in tlie superior 
quality of our officers and men. I have already, in former reports, 
paid a general tributt; to the admirable cotiduct of the troops on 
hoih clays. It now becomes fny duty — and I feel it to be one of 
great delicacy — to ni-tice individuals. In so extensive a field as 
that of the S;h, and in the den£« cover where most of the action , 
of the 9th was fought, I cowld not possibly be witness to more 
•ban a small portion of the operations of the various corps; and 
1 must, therefore, depend upon the rep6rts of subordinate com- 
mandei"s, which Irespectfully enclose herevVith. 

Colonel Twiggs, the second in command, was particularly ac- 
tjve on both days in executing my orders, find directing tlie ops- 
rationn of t'he right win.g. Lieut. "Colonel Mclnl'osh, commanding 
the 5lh 'infantry, Lieut. 'Colonel 'Garland, commanding the 3d brig- 
ade, Lieu't. 'Colonel Belknap, commanding the 1st brigade, Lieut. 
Colonel Childs,,cornmanding^ the arfillery battalion, Major Allen, 
Captains t.. N. Morris and Montgomery, commanding respect- 
ively the 4th, Sd, and Clh regiments of infantry, were zealous in 
the performance of their duties and ^ave examples to their com- 
mands of cool and fsarless conduct, tieut. Colonel R^clntosh re- 
pulsed with his regiment a charge of lancers in the action of Palo 
Alto, and shared with it in the honors and dangers of the follow- 
ing day, being twice severely wounded. Lieut. 'Colonel Belknap 
headed a charge of the 8ih infantry, wliich resulted in driving 
the enemy from his guns, and leaving us in possession of thai 
part of the field. 

Captain Duncan and Lieutenant R'idgely deserVe especial 
notice for the gallant and eflicient manner in which they manoeu- 
vred and served their batteries. The impression made by Cap t. 
Duncan's battery \ipon the extreme right of the enemy's lin'e, at 
the affair of Pfilo Alto, contributed Jargely to the result of the day; 
while the t,errible fire kejil il:p by Lieut. Ridgely, in the affair of 
the Oih, infiicted heavy losses upon the enemy. The iS-pounder 
battery, which played a cpnspici''ous part in the action of the Sth, 
was adfiiirably served by Lieut. Ch'archill, 3d artillery, assisted by 
Lieut. Wood, topographical engiheers. The charge of cavalry 
on the enemy's batteries on the 9lh, wis gallantly led by Cap t. 
May, and had complete success. 

Captain McCall, 4ih infantry, rendered dislinguis'hecl service 
with the advanced corps under his orders. Its loss, in kited fuii 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

wounded, ^vill show how closely it was engaged. I may lake 
this occasion to say ihat, in two former instances, Capt. McCall. 
iias rendered valuable service as a partisan officer. In this con- 
nection, 1 would mention the service? of Paptnin Walker, of the 
Texas Rangers, who was in both alTairs with his company, and 
who has performed meritorious service as a spy and partisan. 

I must beg leave to refer to the reports of subordinate com- 
manders for the names of many officers, non-commissioned offi- 
cers and privates, who were distinguished by good conduct 03 
both days. Instances of i; divi^^^^f ' gallantry and personal con- 
flict with the enemy were not wanting in the affair of tlie 9th, but 
cannot find place in a general report. The officers serving on 
the staffs of the difi'ercnt commanders, are particularly mentioned 
by them. 

1 derived efficient aid on both nays from all the officers of my 
etaff. Captai'n Bliss, assistant adjutant general, Lieut. Colonel 
Payne, inspector general, ^^ieut- Eaton, A. I ). C, Captain Wag- 
gaman, commissary of subsistence, Lieut. Scarret. engineer^ and 
Lieutenants Blake and Meade, topographical engineers, promptly 
conveyed my orders to every part of the fiel,d. Lieut. Colonel 
Payne was wounded in the alfair of the 9th, and I Have already 
had occasion to report the melancholy death of Lie^t. Blake, by 
accident, in the interval between the tvyo engagements. Major 
Craig and Lieut. Brereton, of tl,ie ord^^ance department, were ac- 
lively engaged in their appropriate duties, and Surgeon Craig, 
medical ctirector, superintended in person the arduous service of 
the field hosj)itals. I take this occasion to mention generally the 
devotion to duty of the tnedical statfof the army, who have been 
untiring in their exertions, both in the field and in the hospitals, 
to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded of both armies. Cap- 
tains Crossman aiid Myers of the quartermaster's department, 
who had charge of the heavy supply train at both engagements, 
conducted it in a most satisfactory maimer, and finally brought 
it up without the smallest, loss, to, its dest|inatio,n. 

I inclose an inventory of the Mexican property captured on 
the field, and also a sketch of the field of "Resaca de la Palma,*' 
and of the route from Point Isabel, made by my aid-de-camp, 
Lieutenant Eaton. One regimental color, (battalion of Tampico,) 
and many standards a,n;l guidons of cavalry, were taken at th? 
aflkir of the 9.ih. I would be pleased to receive j'our instructiona 
as to the dispo.=;ition to be made of these trophies — whether they 
shall be sent to Washinglon, &Co 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., Commanding, 
The Adjuta.mt General of the Army, Washington, D. C. 



THE WAR WITH MEXIGO. 

Account of the Battle and talcing of Monterey, 

The army left the camp near Marin, on the morning of Sep- 
tember 13, the first division starting at G o'clock, and the second 
division at 7 o'clock. The advance consisted of McCiilloch and 
Griliespie's companies ol' rangers, and a squadron of dragoons 
Mnder Col. May. The pioneer corps was broken up. and re- 
lumed to their respective refjiniients. The baggage of the first 
division, and one-halt" ijie ordnance train followed that command, 
and the second division wa.s fallowec^ in hke manner by its bag- 
gage and the other ordnance tram,' The volunteer division 
marched at 8 o'clock, followed by its baggage a:nd the supply 
train. The rear guard was composed of two companies of reg- 
ulars, one from each chvision, and closed the march, following 
the supply train. In case Gen. Henderson shoiihl arrive with 
his Texas rangers, they were to forni the advance, with ihe ex- 
ception of four companies, which were to take the place of the 
two companies of infantry, which formed the rear-guard. Gen. 
Henderson overtook the army about four miles from San Fran- 
cisco, and his command was disposed of according to the above 
named arrangement. 

The habitual order of batlle was directed to be as follows: — ■ 
"first division on the right, the second on the left, and the volunv 
teer division in the centre," the chiefs of divisions to organize 
such reserves as they might judge proper. This order of battle 
not to be considered inviolable, but lb be controlled by the nature 
of the ground. Pour men from Gillespie's company were attached 
to each of the two (second and volunteer) divisions. 

Everything connected with this^day's march was intensely in- 
teresting to all, and novel to many. The troops marched in 
closed columns, and were always held in readiness to act 
promptly. The column, embracing the trains, reached nearly 
or quite three miles. It was a grand sight, and go much did the 
men feel interested in coming events, that every one went at it in 
a business manner, an<l although it was hot and dusty, not half a 
dozen out of nearly six thousand five hundred gave in on the 
march. 

On the 19th, pen. Taylor arrived before Monterey, with a 
force of about fiOOO men, and reconnoitered the city at about 
fifteen or sixteen hundred yards from the Cathedral fort, during 
which he was fl'red upon from its batteries. His force was en- 
camped at the Walnut Springs, about three miles short of the 
city. This was the nearest position the army could obtain a 
supply of water and bread, out of the reach of the enemies bat- 
teries. Th.e renjainder of the iQ.th vyas occupied by ihe engi* 
neers in making a recorujoisance of the city batteries and com- 
manding heights. 

On the 20ih Gen. Worth was ordered with his division to 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

move by a circuitous route to the right to gain the Saltillo road 
beyond ihe west of the town, and to Ktorni the heights above the 
Bishop's palace, wiiich Vital p6int the enemy appeared to have 
Btrangely neglected. 

Circumstances caused his halt on the night of the 20th, sliort 
of the intended posilion. On the morning' of the 21st, he con- 
tinued his route, and after an encounter with a large body 6f tiie 
enemy's cavalry and infantry, bupported by artiihry from the 
heigiits. he repulsed them with loss, and finally encamped, cov- 
ering the passage of the Gahillo road". It was here discovered 
that besides the fort at the Bishop's palace and the occupation of 
the heigiits about it, two forts on commanding eminences on the 
opposite side of the San Juan had been fortified and occupied'. 

These two latter heights were then stormed and carried. The 
guns of the last fort carried being immediately turned with a 
plunging fire upon the Bisho[)'s palace. 

On this same morning, the 21st, the first division of regular 
troops under General Twiggs, and the volunteer division under 
General Butler, wei-e ordered under arms to make a diversion to 
the left of, the town, in favor of the important operations of Gen. 
Worth. The twenty inch rnortar, and two twenty-lour pounder 
canisters had been put in battery on the night of tbe 20ih. in a 
rnvine about 1400 yards distant i,rcm th* Cathedral fort or cita- 
(ifi, and .were supported by t'h'e 4th regiment of infantry. At f 
o'clock, A. M., on the 21st, the order was given for this batter} 
to open upon the citadel and town, and immediately after the 
first division, with the 3d and 4th infantry in advance, under Col. 
Garland, were ordered to reconnoiter and skirmish with the en-c- 
my on the extreme left of the city, and should prospect of succefea 
otler, to carry the most advanced battery. 

This attack was directed by Maj. Mansfield, engineer, and 
Maj. Kirney, quartermaster, of the Texas division. A heavy 
fire from the first battery was immediately opened upon the ad- 
vance, but the troops soon returned it, entering, and e.igaging 
with the enemy in the streets of the city, having passed through 
an incessant cross fire from the citadel and the second batteries, 
and from the infantry who lined the prospects, streets and house 
tops of the city. 

The rear of the first battery soon turned, and the reverse fire 
of the troops through the gorge of the works killed or dislodged 
the artillerists and, infantry from it and the building occupied by 
infantry immediately in its rpar. >■ . , 

The first division was followed and supported by the Missis- 
feippi and Tennessee and first Ohio regiments, the two former 
regiments being the first to site and occupy the fort. 

The siiccess of the day here stopped. The Mississippi, 
Tennessee, and Ohio regiments, though warmiy pngaged in 
th'e streets for eoTue titne after the ca2)ture of the first battery 



i'HE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

Rnd itf5 adjoining defenses, were unable frnm exhaustion and tne 
ioS3 tliey had suH'ered, to gain moi'e advantajre. A iieavy piiower 
of rain also came up to cause a suspension of hostihlies before 
the close of the day. 

The 3d, 4th, p..nd 1st infantry, and the Baltimore battalion, re- 
mained at the garrison of tlie captured position, under Col. Gar- 
land, assisted by Capt. Ridgeley's battery. 

Two twelve pounders, one four pounder, and one howitzer, 
were captured in this fort. Three otBcers and some twenty or 
thirty men Were taken prisoners. One of the twelve pounders 
was served against the second fort and defenses, with captured 
aniunition, during the remainder of the day, by Capt. Ridgeley. 
The stchiiing party of Gen. Worth's division also captured 
two nine poiinders, Which were also immediately turned against 
their former owners. 

On the morning of the 22d, Gen. Worth continued his opera- 
tions, and portions of his division stormed and carried successive- 
ly the heights above the Bishop's palace Boih were carried by 
a command under Capt. Vinton, of the 3d artillery. In these 
operations the company of Louisiana troops, under Capt. Blan- 
chard, performed efficient and gallant service, as part of Capt. 
Vinton's command. 

Four pieces of artillery, with a good supplj' of ammunitionj 
were captured in the Bishop's palace on this day, some of which 
were immediately turned upon the enemy's defenses in Ihe city 
On the evening of the 22d, Col. Garland and his command 
were relieved at the garrison of the captured forts, by General 
Quitman, with the Missi.ssippi and Tennessee regiments, and five 
companies of the Kentucky regiments. 

Early on the morning of the 23d, Gen. Q^uitman, from big 
position, discovered that the 2d and 3d forts and defenses, east of 
the city, had been entirely abandoned by the enemy, u-ho appre- 
hending another assault on the night of the 22d, had retired froni 
all its defenses to the main palace and its immediate vicinity. 

A command of two companies of Mississippi and two of 
Tennessee troops were then thrown into the streets to recon- 
noitre, and soon became hotly engaged with the enemy. Thesb 
were sodn supported by Cpl. Wood's regiment of Texas Ran- 
gers, drsmounted, and by Bragg's light artillery and 3d infantry. 
The enerhy's fire was cqnstant and uninterrupted frorh the streets, 
house fcips, barricades, &c. 

In the vicinity of the palaza, the pieces of Bragg's artillery 
were also used with diuch efficiency far into the heart of the city. 
This engagement lasted the best part of the day, oUr troops hav- 
ing driven the scattered parties oif the enemy, clnd penetrated 
quite to the defenses of the main palaza, in its immediate vicin- 
ity, and to the Cathedral fort 6v citadel. 

Early in the afternoon of the same day. Gen. Worth assaulted 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

from the Bishop's palace, the vyesiside of (he cit_v. and pucceeded 
in driving the enemy, and maintaining his position within a short 
j^istance of the main pala^:^, c,n that s;(ip of the city. Towards 
evening, the mortar had also heen phmted in the ceijietery en- 
closed, J^nd dncjng that night djd gfec;t execution in tiie circum- 
scribed camp of tiie enemy in the pqhiza, Tiiua ended tii2 
operations ot" tlie 23d. 

On the morning of the 24th, at an early hot;r, a communication 
was sent by Qen. Ampudia to Gen. Tayipr, utnler a flag of truce, 
making an ofler of capitulation, to which the latter refused to ac-.- 
cede, as it asked more than the i\merican commander would 
under any circumstances grant. iVt the same time a demand to 
surrender was made f-o Gen. Ampudia i-n reply. 

Twelve o'clock, M., was the hour at which the acceptance 
was to be communicated to liie American General. 

At 11 o'clock, A. M., the Mexican General sent, requesting a 
personal conference wit-h General Taylor, which was granted, 
the principal officers of rank on either side accompanying their 
General. 

Afier several offers in relation to the capitulation of the city, 
made on either side and refused, at iialf past 4 P. M., Gt-:\. Tay- 
lor arose, saying he would give Gen. Ampudia one hour to cnn^ 
eider and accept or refuse, and leJt the conference wiili hig 
officers. 

At the expiration of the hour, the discharge of the mortars to 
be the signal for the reconipiencement of hOj=tilitieo. 

At thp expipi^ion of the time agreed on, hpwpver, an office? 
was sent on i\\e part c,f C^en i\mpudia to inforni the American 
General that to avoid the further e(Tiision of blood, and tho 
national honor be^ng satisfied by the exertions of the Mexican 
troops, he had, after the consultation with his- general otlicers, 
decided to canitiilate, accepting the offer of the American Gci:- 
ejal. 

Ampudia said his forr.e was 7,000, but it is esiimatej at il.OOi). 
'^hii forts occupied hy Ridireley's artillery conipauy, turned ihe 
captured pieces against the Mexican (bri;eQ, and the firing 'va* 
kppt up by this company during tlie day, 

KILLED- 

2<l Iiifanlr-'j-rByevi^x |sl Lieut. J. S- Woo.do, (serving with 1st 
infantry.) 

3fZ [nla>ifnj — C(i\)t. L. N. Morris; Capt. Q. P. Field; Brevet 
Majnr P. N. Barbour; Isl Lieut, and Adj. D. S. Irwin; 2d Lieut, 
n. Ha^ditt. 

Alh Ijif(i»fn/ — ]s\. Li^-nt. nru] Adj. C. Hnskins 

S/A /n/ii>,/.,y—('»yt. H. M.K.tvett. 

Afar-!-':! '■/ n-nl r/'a^-liLiii'-ion ItuUalii'n Vulwitet- ^ — ijitUt. Coi 
\y, H, Watson 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

VOLONTEER DIVISION. 

Ohio Regiment — Isl Lieut. M. Hett. 

Tennessee Regiment— C-3i\>\.. W. B. AUenj Lieut, S. M. Put- 
nam. 

WOUNDED, 

Corps of Engineers— Brev. Maj. J. K. T. Mansfield, slightly. 

Corps of Topographical ^Hg-meeJ-s— CapL W. G. Williams, 
(in the hands of the enemy.) 

1st Infaiilnj—Brevei Major J. L..Abercrombie, slightly; Capt. 
J. H; Lamofte, severely; 1st Lieut. J, C. Terrett, (in the hands of 
the enemy;) 2d Lieut, R. Dilwortb, severely. 

3d Injaii't ry— Ma'pr W. W. Lear, severely; Capt. H. Brain- 
bridge, sUghtly. 

itli Infantry— Isi jLieut. Jl. H. Graham, severely; \ 

5th Infantry — 1st Lieut. N. B. Russell, slightly. 

7th Infantry— 2A Lieut. J. H. Potter, severely. 

Sth Infantry— 2iX Lieut. Geo. Wainwright, severely. 

VOLUNTEER DIVISION. 

General Stnff—Mnpc General W- O. Butler, slightly. 

Ohio Regiment— Col. A. M. Mitchell, slightly; Capt. James 
George, slightly; 1st Lieut, and Adjutant A. W. Armstrong, very 
severely; 1st Lieut> N. iViles, severely; 1st Lieut. L. Motter, 
slightly. . , , . , 

Alississippi Regiment — Lieut. Col. A. K. McClung, severely; 
Capt. R. N. Downing, slightly; 1st Lieut. H. F. Cook, slightly: 
2d Lieut. R. K. Arthur, slightly. 

■ DIVISION OF TEXAS MOUNTED VOLUNTEERS. 

Ibt Regiment — Capt. R. A. Gillespie, mortally. 

Terms of capitulation of the City of Monterey, the Capital oj 
Nuevo Leon, agreed upon by the undersigned commission'cr's 
to wit: — Gen. Worth, of the U. S. Army, G'en Hend'erson, of 
the Texan volunteers, and Col. Davis, of the Mississippi rife- 
men, on the part of Major General Taylor, commanding in- 
chief the United Stales forces, and Gen. Raguena and Gen. 
Ortega, of the Army pf Mexico, and Sevor Manuel M. lAano, 
Governor of Nuevo Leon, on the part of Senor General Don 
Pedro Ampudia. commanding in-chief the Army of the North 
of Mexico. 

Article I. As the legitimate resillt of the opeftitions before 
this plabe, and the prestint position of the contending armies, it 
is agreed that the city, the rortiiicallons, cannon, the munitions of 
war, and all other public pi'operly, with the undermentioned ex- 
beptions, be surrendered to the comrhanding (jreneral of (he 
United States forces, now at Monterey. 

Art. If. That the Mexican forces he allowed to retain th^ 
following arms, to wit: the commissioned officers their side arms, 
ihe infantry theit arms and accoutrements, the cavalry their etrms 



THE WAR WITH MEXCIO. 

and accoutrementg, the artillery one field batlery. not to exceed 
six pieces, with tvyenty-one rounds of a,mmunition. 

Art. III. That th& Mexican armed forces retire within seven 
days from this date, beyond the hne fbrmed by the pass of the. 
Rinconada, t^O city of Linares, and San Fernando de Presas. 

Art. IV. That the citadel of Monterey be evacuated by the 
Mexican, and occupied by the American fo.rceg, to-morrow morn- 
ing, at 10 o'clock-. 

Art. V. To avoid collisions, and for mutual convenience, that 
the troops of the United States will not occupy the city until the 
Mexican forces have withdrawn, except for hospital and storage 
purposes. 

Art, VI. That the forces of the United States will not ad- 
vance beyond the Ikit specified in the 2d [3d] article before the 
expiration of eight wetks, or until the orders or instructions of 
the respective governments can be received. 

Art. VII. Tha^ the pulplic property to be delivered shall be 
turned over and received by officers appointed by the comrgand- 
ing Generals of the two armies. 

Art VIII. That all doubts as to the meaning of any of the 
preceding a.rticles shall \>e solved by an equitable construction, 
and on principles of liberality to the retiring army. 

Art. IX. That the Mexican flag, when struck at the citadel, 
may be saluted by its own battery. 

Done at Montery, Sept 24th, 1S46. 

W- J- WORTH. Brig. Gen. U. S. A. 
J. PINKNEY HENDERSON, 

Major General commanding Texan Vol 
JEFFERSON DAVIS, 

Colonel Mississippi Riflemen. 

MANUEL M. LLANO, . , >, 

T. REQUENA, 

ORTEGA. 

Approved. 

PEDRO AMPUDIA. Z. TAYLOR, 

Ma,jor General U. S. A. Com'g. 



GREAT BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 



Headqcartees A^r^Y of Occupation, 
Qamp on the Field of JBaitle, Biieria Vista, 
Mexico, Februarj' 24, 1847. 
Sir: — I bave the honor to report, that having become assured 
on the 20th instant, that the enemy had assembled in a very heavy 
force at Encarnacion, thirty miles in front of Agua Nueva, with 
the evident desi^jn cf attacking my position, I broke up my Camp 
at the latte? place on the 21st, and took up a strong line in fron; 
of Buena Vista, seven miles South of Saltillo. A Cavalry force 
left at Agua Nueva for the purpose of covering ihe removal of 
Eupplies was driven in during the night, and on the morning of 
the 22d the Mexipan Army appeared immediately in front of our 
position. At 11 o'clock, A. M., a flag was sent, bearing from Gen. 
Santa Anna a summons of unconditional surrender. To which I 
immediately returned a negative reply. The summons and my 
reply are herewith enclosed. The action was commenced late in 
the afternoon between the light troops on the left flank, but was 
not seriously engaged until the morning of the 2.3d, when the 
enemy made an eflort to force the left flank of our position. An 
obstinate and sanguinary conflict was maintained, with short in- 
tervals, throughout the day, the result being that the enemy waa 
completely repulsed from our lines. An attack of Cavalry upon 
the Ranchero of Buena Yista, and a demonstration upon the City 
of Saltillo itself, were likewise handsomely repelled. Early in 
the night, the enemy withdrew from his Camp, and fell back upon 
A.gua Nueva, a distance of twelve miles. 

Our own force, engaged at all points in this action, fell some- 
wliat short of five thousand four hundred men, while that of the 
enemy, from the statement of Gen. Santa Anna, may be estimated 
at twenty thousand. Our success against such odds, is a suffi- 
cient encomium on the good conduct of our troops. In a more 
detailed official report, I shall have the satisfaction of bringing to 
the notice of the Government the conspicuous gallantry of parti- 
cular officers and corps. I may be permitted here, however, to 
acknowledge my great obligations to Brig. Gen. Wool, the second 
in command, to whom I feel particul?irly indebted for hie valuable 
services on this occasion. 

Our legs has been very severe, and will not probably fall short 
of seven hun4red men. The Me:cican loss has been immense. I 
eliall lake the earliest opportunity of forwarding a correct Irst of 
the casualties of the day. 

I am. Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Major General United States Army Commanding. 
The Adjutant General of th6 Aripy, Washington, D. C 
1 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

[Translation] 

[^Summons of Santa Anna to Gen. TaylorT] 

You arc surrounded by twenty thousand men, and cannot, in 
any human probability, avoid Buffering a rout and being cut to 
pieces with your troopsj but as you deserve consideration and 
particular esteem, I wish to save you from a catastrophe, and lor 
that purpose give you this notice, in order that you may surren- 
der at discretion, under the aseUrance that you will be treated 
\Vith the consideration belonging io the Mexican character, io 
vVhich end you will be granted an hour's time to mai<e up your 
mind, to c'ortinrtencc fronS the mbtfiCnt when niy flag of truce ar- 
rives at your caiVip. 

With this view, I assure you of my particular consideraiion. 

God and Liberty. Camp at Encantada, February 22d, 1847. 
ANT. LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. 

To Gen. Z. Taylor, commanding the forces of the U. States. 



Headquarters Army of OceuPATioN, } 
Near Buena Vista, February 22, 1S47. ^ 
Sir: — In reply to your note of this date, summoning me to sur- 
render my forces at discretion, I beg leave to say, that I decline 
acceding, to your request. 

With high respect, I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Major General United States Army Commanding. 
SenorGen. D. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, 

Commander-in-Chief, La Encantada. 



Headquarters Army of Occupation, ^ 
Saltillo, Febiiiary 25, ISil. ^ 

Sir: — I have respectfully to report, that the main Mexican force 
is yet at Agua Nueva. Our troops hold the positions which they 
have so well defended, and ai'e p'repal-ed to receive the enemy, 
ohoUld he venture another attabk. 

An arrangement has been made with iGen. Satil'a Anna for art 
exchange of prisoners, by which we shall receive all, or nearly 
all, of those captured from us at different times, besides the few" 
taken in the action of the 23d. Our wounded, as well as those of 
the Mexicans which have fallen into our hands, have been re- 
moved to tkis place, and are i-endered comfortable. 

Our loss in tke recent actions, so far as ascertained, amounts 10 
two hundred and sixty-four killed, four hundred and fifty U'onnded, 
and twenty-six missing. One company of the Kentucky Cavalry 
is not included in this statement, its casualties being not yet re- 
^ortedi I respectfully enclose a' list of the Commissioned Officers 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

killed and wounded, embracing many names of the highest 
merit. 

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Major Gqneral United States Army Commanding. 
The Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. 



HEADaUAftTERS ArMY 0^ OCCUPATION, i 

Ag-ua Nueva, March 1, 1847. \ 

Sir: — I have the honor to report, that the troops of ray com- 
mand occupied their original Camp at this place on the 27th of 
February, the last of the Mexican Army leaving the morning of 
that day in the direction of San Luis. It is ascertained that the 
enemy is in full retreat,, and in a very disorganized condition; 
the men deserting and dying of starvation in great numbers. I 
despatch a command tliis day as far as Encarnacion, to harass 
his rear, and secure whatever military supplies may be found 
iliere. 

From the statements df Mexiiian officers, particularly of the 
Medical staff, left to succour the wounded, there seems no doubt 
that their loss in the recent actiqn is moderately estimated at 
fifteen hundred, and may reach two thousand men, killed and 
wounded; besides two or three thousand deserters Many officers 
of rank were lost. I enclose a list of the nannes of our own killed 
and wounded, made as complete as practi<:able at this time. One 
Regiinent (Kentucky Cavalry.) is not included, its return not 
being rendered. , . 

The enemy had fully reckoned upon our total rout, and had 
made arrangements to intercept odr retreat and cut oti' the Army, 
stationing for tliat purpose corp.s of Cavalry, not only immediately 
in our rear, but even below Munterey. I regret to report, that 
they .succeeded, near the village of Marin, in destroying a iraia 
of supplies and killing a considerable number of tlie e.^cort and 
teamsters. Col. Morgan, Second Ohio Regiment, on his march 
from Ceralvo to Monterey, was infested by the Mexican Cavalry, 
with which he had several rencontres, but finally dispersed them 
with small loss on his own part. Capt. Graham, A.<^.ci?tant Quar- 
termaster, volunteer service, was mortally wounded in one of 
these affairs. Ihave no doubt that the defeat of the main army 
at Buena Vista will secure our line of communication from further 
interruption; but I still propose, in a few days, lo change my 
Headquarters to Monterey, with a view to make such further ar- 
rangements as may be necessary in that quarter. 

The dispositions made to harass our rear, vindicate the policy 
and necessity of defending a poslition in front of Saltilio, Uiiere a 
defeat has throwii the eneniy far back into the interior. No re- 
suit so decisive could have been obtained by holding Monterey; 
36 3 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

and our communications would have been constantly in jeo- 
pard 3^ 

I am, Sir, very respectfullv, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Major General United States Army Commanding. 
The Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. 



ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,; 
Army of Occupation, 
^gua Mceva, March 1, 1847. '_ 
List of the Names of the Killed^ Woimded^ and Missing, of the 
Army of Occupation, in the Battle of Buena Vista, February 
23, 1847. 

GENERAL STAFF— REGULARS 
Killed. — Capt. George Lincoln, Assistant Adjutant General. 
Wounded. — First Lieut. Henry W. Benham, engineers, very slightly. 
Bvt. Second Lieut. Francis T. Bryan, topographical engineers, very 
elightly. 

FIRST REGIIVIENT DRAGOONS. 
Wounded. — Capt. Enoch Steen, severely; Privates Holloway, severe- 
ly, Anderson, severely, Shcrrod, slightly, company E-, Lanning, s«-« 
verely, Sweet, severely, Waggoner, slightly, company A. 

SECOND REGIMENT DRAGOONS. 
WouiNDED. — Bvt. Lieut. Col. C. A- May, severe contusion. Private 
W. F. Erbe, severely, company E. 

THIRD REGIMENT ARTILLERY. 

Killed. — Private Christian F. Waihinger, company C. 

Wounded. — Second Lieut. Samuel G. French, severely, Corp. Robert 
Gams, severely, Privates William Hudson, severely, Jacob 'Weyer, 
elightly, company C. Recruit, Jesse Gortner, 3d Infantry, burnt ee- 
verely by accidental explosion of a cartridge. Ord. Scrg. Bowning, 
slightly, Corps. Wolf, severely, Boyle, severely. Musician Tischer, 
supposed mortally. Artificer Livinggood, severely. Privates Bell, 
dangerously, Fisk, slightly, Kemp, slightly, McCray, slightly. Smith, 
severely, Levier, slightly, Shane, mortally, Kelsey, severely, McDon- 
nel, dangerously, Gillam, slightly, Kolisher, slightly, Company E. 

Missing.— Privates, Marcus A. Hitchpock, company C. Youngs^ 
Morgan, company E. 

FOURTH REGIMENT ARTILLERY. 
Killed. — Privates Holley, Weekly, Kinks, Doughty, Company B- 
Green, recruit, 3d infantry. 

Wounded.— First Lieut. J. P. J. O'Brien, slighdy, Serg. Queen, Lance 
Sergeant, Pratt, slightly, company B. Privates, Hannams, in hospital 
Puffer, mortally. Beagle, in hospital. Barrier, in hospital, Floyd, slightly, 
Baker, slightly, Tharman, in hospital, Brown, slightly, Bison, in hos 
pital, Butler, in hospital, Clark, in hospital, company B. 

4 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

VOLUNTEERS— MISSISSIPPI RIFLES. 

Killed.— First Lieut. R. L. Moore, Second Lieut. Francis McNuIty, 
fierg. Theo. Ingram, company A. Privates, C. O. Sullivan, company A. 
Scab. Jones, Thomas H. Titley, L. TuberviUe, W. fl. Wilkinson, conx- 
pany B. William Couch, D. H. Eggleston, James Johnston, John J?res,- 
ton, company C. Sergeants W.W. Phi Hips, J. H.La;igford, company E. 
Corporals F. M. Robinson, company E. Joseph C. Reville, company L, 
Privates, Robert A.Joyce, William Sellers, company E. Sergeant E. 
Higany, U. L. Butler, company F. Privates, P. Durievent, Steidicn 
Jones, Enos Garret, company F. Corporal John M. Alexander, com- 
pany G. Privates, John II. Graves, J. S. Bond, L. A. Cooper, W. M. 
8eay, R. Felts, R. E. Parr, company G. Wm, D. Harrison, Pat. Rariden, 
Jacob Lock*, company H. Serg. Gar. Anderson, company I. Privates 
H. G. Trotter, J. S. Branch, John Pease, A. Collingsworth, J. W. Vin- 
son, company I. 

Wounded. — Col. Jefferson Davis, severely, Capts. Jos. M. Sharp, se- 
verely, J. P. Stockaw, slightly ; First Lieuts. A. B. Corwine, slightly, 
Carnot Posey, slightly; Serg. D.M. Hollingsworth, slightly, company A. 
Privates George Brook, dangerously, W. H. Stubblefield, severely, S. 
P. Stubblefield, slightly, R. L. Shook, severely, company A; J. M. Mil- 
ler, severely, G. H. Jones, severely, SoL Newman, severely, J. W. Don- 
nelly, slightly, W. A. Lawrence, slightly, company B. Serg. W. H. 
Scott, slightly, comp. C. Corps. J. McLaughlin, slightly, Howard Morris, 
severely, Samuel C. Suit, slightly. Privates J. M. Barnes, slightly, J. W. 
Gown, severely, Levi Stephens, slightly, company C. Richard Claridy, 
eeverely, John Keneday, slightly, J. C. Laird, slightly, A. B. iPU:<;keUj 
eeverely, Rob. Fox, company E., severely, J, N. Bigby, dangerously, T. 
Courtney, slightly, J. W. Morris, severely, J. L. Simpson, severely, T. 
J. Malone, slightly, company F.; Corporals A. B. Atkinson, slightly, 
P. Sinclair, slightly, G. W. Harrison, slightly, company G. Privates P. 
Burnit, slightly, C. W. Gibbs, slightly," A. J. Neely, slightly, J. Thomp- 
son, slightly, company G. Corp. Henry Lanal, severely, company H, 
Serg. A. M. Newman, slightly, company H. Privates, Thomas White, 
dangerously, William Warrans, slightly, S. D.Carson, slightly, S. Ed- 
wards, severely, John Dart, elightly, Wm. H. McKinney, slightly, com- 
pany H. Serg. P. M. Martin, severely, company I. Privates T. D. Ran- 
dolph, severely, J. Hedspeth, dangerously, T. O. McClanahan, slightly, 
<.'ompany I. 

Missing.— Private F. M. Schneider, company B. supposed prisoner. 
Corporal J. E. Stewart, company H. supposed to be killed. 

FIRST REGIMENT OF ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 
Killed. — Col. John J. Hardin, Capt. Jacob W. Zabriskie. First Lt. 
Bryan p.. Houghton, Principal Musician, Austin W. Fay. Privates, 
Francis Carter, company B. Merritt Hudson, company C. Augustus 
Canaught, John Emerson, company D. Silas Bedell, Henry H. Clark, 
William Goodwin, James J. Kinman, Randolph R. Martin, Greenbury 
g. Richardson, Samuel W. Thompson, Charles Walker, com^panv E, 
Elias C. Mays, Matthew Dandy, William Smith, Thomas J. Gilbert, 
John White, company H. John B. Bachmann, Ingharat Clai'-soitle, 
Conrad Burrh, John Gable, A^ron Kiersted, Jos. Shutt, George Pitson, 
William Vanklehwker, company K. 

P 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

WouNDKD. — Privates, Michael Fenton, company B, badly, James T. 
Edaon, slightly, Francis Quinn, slightly, Potter Cleniena, slightly. Cor- 
poral Patrick Mohan, badly. Private, James Robins, company G, 
slightly. Rerg. John C.Barr, company £), badly. Privates Albert Ker« 
shaw, badly, 'compariy D; Watson R. llichavdson, badly, William Ste- 
vensois, badly, company E. Job Brown, company F, slightly. Second 
Lieut. Hezekiah Evans,, slightly. Privates, Jackson Evans, William 
Roe, Daniel Penser, badly, company H. George Slack, slightly, Fred- 
erick Rekovv, badly, company, K. First Lieut. John L. McConnell, 
slightly. Privates Robins, slightly, serving with company B, 4th artfU 
iery, Washington's battery, Brown, slightly, do; Richardson in hospi- 
tal, do; Raleo, in hospital, do. Duff, in hospital, do, McLean,' in hospital, 
Philips, in hospital, do. 

SECOND REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Killed. — Captain Woodward, Ljeuts. A. B. Rountree, Fletcher, Fer- 
guson, Robbins, T. Kelley, , Steel, Jiartleson, Atherton, Price. Privates 
William Kenyon, William L. Smith,, company A. Corp. Ilibbs, com- 
pany C. Privates Woodling, . Pattou, Therman, McMichel, company 
G. Gable, D. O'Cpunor, company E. Lortz, Couze, Cruesman, School- 
craft, company IL Lpar, Davis, Cook, Bradley, McCrury, G. Clark,' 
Hogan, Squires, company. I; Abcrnathy, Bonner, W..M. Jones, Kinsey, 
§. C. Marlow, Robert Marlow, Wilkes, Ragland, W. S. Jones, company 
K. Jenkins, Hill, company G. First. Serg. Faysoux, company B. Pri- 
vates Emerson, Kizer, Durock, Crippen, company B. 

Wounded. — Capts. Coffee, company B, Baker, company B. Lieuts, 
John A. Pickett, Engleman, West, company B. Adj. Whiteside, com- 
pany B. Serg. J. W. Farmer, company A. Privates, Auldrige, Burnet, 
IJird, Cooper, Cheek, Dempsey, Hutchings, J. T. Lee, Mansker, Pate, 
G. W. Rainy, Robins, White, company A. Sergeant Brown, company 
C. Privates Burk, Bryant, Clarage, Early, Feake, Foills, Fletcher, J. 
N. NoUand, Montgomery, Ricketts, H. C. Smith, Van Camp, Maxwell, 
Dwyer, Tidd, Fisher, company C, Hill, Riley, Robinson, Wright, com- 
pany E. Bordeaux, Irridges, Funk, Felameir, Gerhard, Le.dcrberger, 
Ranneberg, Talbot, Traehkle, Uppman, company H. First Serg. Reiri, 
company I. Privates, Henkler, White, Murmert, Fisher,i Strong, Kell, 
McCurty, Wareheim, Hiltbiian, company L Hamilton, Iloge, Kelley, 
G. T. Montage, R. Marlow, John Ragland, Ramsey, company K. Wi- 
ley, McLean, company G. Scott, Goodale, company B. Quarter Master 
Sergeant Buckmaster. Sergeant Major Ketter. 

Missing. — Privates Mellen, Sinsel, company H. Messinger, coiu- 
pany G. 

COMPANY TEXAS VOLUNTEERS. 

Killed. — First Lieut. Campbell, Second Lieut. Leonhard. Coiporals 
Voort and King. Privates Clark, Donnavan, Donohoe, Forche, Hayes, 
Godwin, Finney, McLean; KHnge, Largston. 

TFounded.—Cnpta'iti Coriner, Private Freaekind. 

Missing. — Privates Smith, Larig, Corp. Brahd, Private Giilerman, 
Sergeant Donop, Privates Bruno, Miller, 

INDIANA VOLUNTEERS-^BRIGADE STAFF. 

rf'oitrirfed.— Brigadier General Joseph Jjane,' slightly. 

6 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO 

SECOND REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS. 

Killed. — Captains, T. B. Kinder, William Walker. Second L.ieut. 
Thomas C. Parr. Serg. McHenry Dozier, company E. Privates, Fran- 
cis Bailey, Charles H. Goft', Warren Robinson, A. Stephens, company 
A. Jolin Shoultz, D. McDonald, J. T. Hardin, company B, M. J^ee, W. 
Richarkson, J. H. Sladen, company D. W. Akin, .1. B. D. Dillon, com- 
pany E. H. Matthews, J. H. Wilson, company F. H, Draper, R. Jen- 
king, T. Price, company H. R. Havritt, H. M. Campbell, cjonipany I. 
J. C. Migginbothnm, A.'Jenkins, G. Chapman, O. Lansburg, E. Wyatt, 
T. Smith, J. Teasley, company K. 

Wounded. — Captain W. L. Sanderson, First Lieut. S. W. Cayce, 
Second Lieuts. H. Pennington, S. D. Lewis, Capt.' JolinOsborn, Second 
Lieut. J. Moore^ First Lieut. J. Davis, Second Lieut. J. A. Epperson, 
Corp. S. McDonald, coinpany B. Serg. A. IJ. Potts, company D, Corp. 
D. C. Thomas, company D. Musician, A.M. Woods, company D, Sergs. 
.T. Caruthers, V. Vestal, company F, Corporals J. Bishop, A. B. Carlton, 
N. B. Stephens, cotnpany F. Sergs. P. D. Kelse, E. Blalock, company 
G, Corporals T. Rawlins, con.pany G. H. Wilson, company H. Privates 
T. Goen, company F, H. Mulvaiiv, M. Queen, J. McMilton, coinpany G, 
W. Adams, W. Benefief, R. Colbert, V. Swain, J. Ingle, A. Smith, W. 
D. Wier, company H. N. Rutnley, company I. A. C. Farris, G. McKnight, 
G. Wilhart, company K. 

JKiMiKg-.— Privates J. Brown, J. H. Harrison, company B. W. Spald- 
ing, coinpany D. B. Hubbard, company I. 

THIRD REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS. 

Killed. — Captain J. Taggart. Privates, J. M. Buskirk, W. B. Holland, 
D. .T. Stout, company A, J. Armstrong, company C, W. Hueston, com- 
pany D, D. Owens, W. C. Good, Company F, J. Graham, company G, 

iVounded.' — Major W. A. Gorman, Captains J. M. Sleep, V. Conover, 
Corporal R. K. Nelson, company A. Privates J. S. L.evo, W. G. Apple- 
gate, J. Y. Davis, J. W. Pullin, .T. Knight, coinpany A. Corp. J. Grin- 
prich, company B. Privates, J. Faulkner, H. Hind, jr., H. C. Hoyi, 

D. Conroy, T. H. Bowen, company B. J. Voight, E. Lain, M. Cole, 
R. Aubke, A. Armstrong, J. Orchard, G. Miller, company C. Corporal 
R. Torrence, company D. Privates 'I'. Gustin, J. Hinkle, J. Rochat, E 
Bright, A. Merril, company D. Corporal E. Weddel, company E. 
Privates J. Brown, M. Matiiis, S. Fred, J. G. Arter, 6. Stuart, company 

E. J. C. Barton, 0. Dyer, J. Inskeep, D. Hunter, D. Coughcnower, H, 
C. Rlker, company F. Corporal ,1. S. Wilson, company F. Privates J. 
Meek, E. Mace, J. Patterson, J. Cain, company G, R. Ben^son, J. Kelley, 
company H. Serg. W- Coombes, company 1. Private M. Conowoy, 
company I. Sergeants P. McGarvey, S. P. Turney, company K. Pri- 
vates J. Heryey, M. Grey, S. Bradley, S. LafoUet, Y. Foster, com- 
pany JC. 

SECOND REGIMENT KENTUCKY VOLUNTEEFtS (FOOT), 
Killed.— Co\. W. R, McKee, Lieut. Col. Henry Clay, jr. Captain W- 
T. Willis. Privates W. Smith, A. Chaudoweng, company A. Sefg- 
H. Wolfe, company B. Privates M. Updike, W. I^lackwell, L. B. Bar^- 
lett, company B. Corporal S. M. Williams, company C. Privates, R. 
M. Baker, M'. Borth, W. Burks, J. Moilit, company C. Corp. P. Srough, 

7 



THE WAR WITH MfiXICO. 

Company L). Private J. Walden, H. Jones, W. Harmon, company 3 
Corp. J. Q. Carlin, company E. Musician, M. L. Radebaugh, company 
E. Privates, H. Frazier, J. H. Harliins, R. McCardy, H. Snow, company 
E. H. Trotter, company F. J. A. Gregory, J. R. Ballard, W. Vest, J. II 
Waller, company G. Sergeants J. Kring, J. M. Dunlap, company f, 
Privates W. Gilbert, W. Rham, J. Williams, company H. Corporal D. 
Edwards, company I. Privates J. J. Thoro, A. Goodparter, company l£, 
J. Lay ton, W. Bord, J. Johnston, D. Davis, A Thucker, W. P. Rey- 
nolds, J. W. Watson, company K. 

JFounded.— Second Lieuts. E. L. Barber, Thomas W.Napier; Scrgt. 
J. Mintoh; Privates, S. Morris, S. Wallace, R. Winlock, J. Burnett, com- 
pany A, Corp. S. Mayhall; Privates B. O. Branham, A. Brea, J. Wil- 
liams, W. S. Bartlett, company B. E. Burton; Act, Sec. Lieut. W. S. 
Withers; Serg. J. Wheatley ; Corp. C. C. Smedley ; Privates, J. Cahill, 
W. D. Purcell, company C. W. Hendron, company B. H. Burditt, P. 
Hamilton; Corp. J. Craig; Private, H. Vanfleet, company D. Corp. J. 
Jennison;; Privates, T.Welsh, J. S. Vandevier, J. Houk, W.Park, D. 
Walker, J. Yettcrn, Company E. J. Hnnter, T. J. Brunpr, eoRipany F. 
W. Stringer, M.A.Davenport, company G. Serg. J. Ward, company 
H. Private, F. Oak, company A. Corps. T. Fox, H. Craig; Privates, 
William Daily, R. Holder, J. Wellington, G. Simmons, company H, 
Privates, E. 8. Cahili, J. Redman, Ed. AVCullar, William Blunt, compa. 
ny L Serg. W. Lillard; Privates, W. Warford, B. Perry, G. Searcy, 
W. Howard, J.Montgomery, G. W. Reed, company K. 

Missing. — Private, J. Catlett. 

i?RKA]^SAS CAVALRY. 

JK/Zed— Col. Archibald Yell; Capt. Andrew R. Porter; Corps. K. M. 
Sanders, W.,Gornberlin;P,rivates, William Phipps, H. Penter, G. H. 
Higgins, G. W. Martin, J. B. Pelham, J.Ray, W. Robinson, D. Hogan, 
P. Williams, A. Teague, H. V/ynn; Corp. D. Stewart; Private, T. C, 
Rowland. 

Wounded.— First Lieut. Thomas A. Reeder; Sergts. G. Y. Latham, 
Z. D. Bogard, H. L. Hamilton; Corp. M. L. Poplin; f'rivates, M. Kelley, 
B. F. Nicholspn, W. B. Searcy, Joseph Penter, C. Taylor, L. M'Gruder, 
J. F. Allen, M. Graham, D. Logan, A. C. Harris, J. Wilmouth, FroiikHn 
W. Brown, O. Jones, E. M'Cool, J. Williams, L. B. Beckwith, J. Ray, 
L. A. TwronsKi, W. Turner, J. Bigerstaff, W. Gibson, R. Arnold, J. 
Lowallen; Serg. J.D.Adams; Serg. Maj. B. F. Ross; Privates, J. John- 
son, C. Sullivan. 

J^rwin^.— Privates, L. Settle, Joseph Green, George Norwood, M. 
barker. 

W. W. S. BLISS, 
Assistant Adjutant GeneraZ. 



THE WAr with MEXICO. 



CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ 



HEADatJARTERS OF THE ArMY, } 

Camp WaGhinwton, before Vera Cruz, ^ 

March 23, 1847. 
, Sir: Yesterday seven of our 10 inch mortars, being in bat- 
tery, and the labors iTor planting the remainder ot" our heavy me- 
tal being in progress, I addressed, at two o'clock, P. M., a sum- 
hions to the Governor of Vera Crui?, anci within the two hours 
limited by the bearer of the flag, received the (jo\'ernors answer. 
Copies of the two papers (marked respectively, A and B) are 
herewith enclosed. 

It will be perceived that the Governor, who, it turns out, is the 
commander of both places, chose, against the plain terms of the 
iammons, to suppose me to have demanded the surrender of the 
Castle and of the City — when, in fact from the non-arrival of 
our heavy metal — principally mortars — I was in no condition ta 
threaten the former. 

On the return of the flag with that reply, I at once ordered 
the seven mortars, in batter}'', to open upon, the City. In a short 
time the smaller vessels of Commodore Perry's squadron — two 
steamers and five schooners, according to previous arr^ngertient 
vvit-h him, approached the City within about a mile and an eighth, 
whence, being partially covered from the Castle, an essential con- 
dition to their safety, they also opened a brisk fire upon the City. 
This has been continued, uninterruptedly, by the mortars, and 
only with a few intermissions, by the vessels, up to nine o'clock 
this morning, when the commodore, very properly, called them 
off from a position too daringly assumed. 

Our tliree t-emaiijing mortars are now (12 o'clock, M.) in bat- 
tery ; and the whole ten in activity. To-morrow, early, if the 
City should continue obstinate, batteHes t^os. 4 and 5 will be 
ready to add their fire: No. 4 consisting of four 24 potindefs and 
two 8 inch Paixhan guns, and No. 3 (naval battery) of thfee 32 
pounders and three 8 inch Paixhans, the guns, officet-s, and sail- 
ors landed from the squadron, dur ffiignds of the navy being un- 
remitting in their zealous co-operation, in every mode and form. 

So far. we know that oUr fire upon the City has been highly 
effective, particulay from the batteries of 10 inch mortars, plan- 

9 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

red about 800 y.artlsfrom the City. Including the preparation 
and defence of the batteries from the beginning, now many days, 
and notwithstanding the heavy fire of the enemy, from City and 
Castle, we have oply had four or; five men wounded, and one 
officer and one man i<illed In or pear the trenches. That olii- 
rer was Capt. John II. Vinton, of the United States 3d artillerry, 
one of the most talented, accomplished, and elective members of 
the army, and who was highly distinguished in the brilliant op- 
erations at Monlerey. He fell last evening, in the trenches, 
where lie was on duty as field and commanding officer, universally 
regretted. I have just attended hi- honored remains to a soldiers 
grave, in full view of the enemy and within feach of his guns. 

Thirteen of the long needed mortars, leaving twenty seven, 
besides heavy guns behind, have arrived and two of them land- 
ed. A heavy norther tlien set in [at meridian] that stopped that 
operation, and a!»o the landing of tlie shells. Hence the fire 
cf Qur mortar batteries has been slackened since two o'clock to- 
day, and cannot be reinvigorated until wp ehail again have ^ 
smooth sea. In meantime I shall leave this report open for jour- 
nalizing events that may occur up ^o the departure of the steam- 
ship of war, the Princeton, with Commodore Conner, who } 
learn, e.xpects to leave the anchorage off Sacrificios for the Uni- 
ted States the 25th inst. 

]}Tarch 2ilh. — The storrii having subsided in the night we com- 
menced this forenoon, as soon as the sea became a little smooth, 
to land shot, shells, and mortars. 

The naval battery No. 5 was opened with great activity, under 
Capt. Aulick, the second in rank of the squadron, at about 10 A. 
M. His fire was continued to 2 o'clock P. M., a little before he 
was relieved by Capt. Mftyo, who landed with a fresh supply of 
ammunition, Capt. A. haying exhausted the supply he had brought 
with him. He lost four sailors, killed, and liad one officer, Lieu- 
tenant Baldwin, slightly hurt. 

The mortar batteries Nos. 1, 2, and 3, have fired but languidly 
during the day for the want of sliells which are now going out 
from the beac{i. 

The two reports of Col. Bankhead, chief of artillery, both of 
tkis date, copies of which I enclose, give tjie incidents of those 
three batterie.<]. 

Battery No. 4, which will mount four 24 pounders and 8 8 inch 
Paixhan guns, has been much delayed in the hands of the inde- 
fatigable engineers by the norther that filled up the work with 
sand nearly as last as it could be opened by the half blinded la- 
borers. It will, hov/ever, doubtless be in lull activity early to- 
morrow morning. 

March 25th. — The Princeton being about to start for Philadel- 
phia, I have but a moment to continue this report. 

All the batteries, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, are in awful activity 
10 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

this morninof. The effect is, no dovvbt, very great, and I thiiik 
the City cannot hold out beyond to-day. To-morrow morning 
many of the mortars will be in a position to add their fire, wlien, 
or after the delay of some twelve hours, if no proposition to sur- 
render should be received. I shall organize parties for carrying 
the City by assault. So far the defence has been spirited and 
obstinate. v ' 

I enclose a copy of a memorial received last night, signed by 
ihe consuls of Great Britain, France, Spain and Prussia, within 
Vera Cruz, asking me to grant a truce to enable the neutrals, to- 
gether with Mexican women and children, to withdraw from tlie 
scene of havoc about them. I shall reply the moment that an 
opportunity may be taken, to say — 1. That a truce can only be 
granted on application of Gov. Morales, with a view to a surren- 
der ; 2. That in sending safeguards to the different consuls, be- 
ginning as far back as the 13Lh iiist., I distinctly admonished them 
— particularly the French and Spanish consuls, of the dangers 
that have ibilowed ; 3. That although, ai that date, I had alrea- 
dy refused to dilow any person whatsoever to pass the line of in- 
vestment either way, yet the blockade had been left open to th6 
consuls and other neutrals to pass out to their respective ships of 
\yar up to the 22d instant : and, 4th, I shall enclose to the memo- 
rialists a copy of my summons to the Governor, to show that I 
liad fully considered the impending hardships and distresses of 
the place, including those of women and children, before one guii 
had been fired in that di'rectiori. The intercouse between the neu- 
tral ships of war and the City was stopped at the Idst mentioned 
date by Commodore Perry with my concurrence, which I placed 
en the ground that that intercourse could not fail to give the enemy 
moral aid and comfort. 

It will be seen from the memorial that our batteries have alrea- 
dy had a terrible effect on the City (also known through other 
sources), and hence the inference that a surrender must soon be 
proposed. In haste. 

I have the honor to remain, sir, with high respect, your most 
obedient servant, 

WINFIELD SCOTT. 

Hon. Wm. L. Marcy, Secretary of War. 



HEAOaUARTERS OF THE ArIjMY, } 

' Vera Cruz, March 29, 1847. ^ 
Sir:— The flag of the United States of America floats triumph- 
antly over the walls of thjs city and the castle of San Juan de 
Ulloa. 

Our troops have garrisoned both since 10 o'clock. It is now 
noon. Brigadier Genera! Worth is in command of the two 
places. 

n 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

Articles of capitulation were signed and exchanged at a late 
hour, iiight before the laet. I inclose a copy of the document. 

I have heretofore reported the principal incidents of the seige 
up to the 25lh instant Nothing of striking interest occurred til. 
early in the morning of the next day, whe.n I received overtures 
from General Landero, on whom General Morales had devolved 
the principal comniand. A terrible storm of wind and sand made 
it difficjalt to communicate with the city, and impossible to refer 
to Commodore Perry. I was obliged to entertain the proposition 
alone, or to continue the fire upon a place that had shown a dis- 
position to surrender ; for the loss of a day, or perhaps several, 
could not be permitted. The accompanying papers will show 
the proceeding? and results. 

Yesterday, after the norther had abated, and the commissioners 
appointed by me early in the morning before, had again met 
those appointed by General Landero, Commodore Perry sent 
ashore his second in command, Captain Aulick, as a commis- 
sioner on the part of the navy. Although not included in my 
specific arrangement made wiih the Mexicarl corjimander, I did 
not hesitate, with proper courtesy, to desire that Captain Aulick 
might be duly introduced and allowed to participate in the dis- 
cussions and acts of the commissioners who had been reciprocally 
accredited. Hence the preamble to his signature. The original 
American commissioners were Brevet Brigadier General Worth, 
Brigadier General Pillow and Colonel Totten. Four more abla 
or judicious officers could not have been desired. 

I have time to add but little m.ore. The remaining details of 
the seige; the able co-operation of the United States squadron, 
successively under the command of Commodores Conner and 
Perry; the admirable conduct of the whole army— regulars and 
volunteers— I should be happy to dwell upon as they deserve ; 
but the steamer Princeton, with Commodore Conner on b'aard, is 
under way, and I have commenced organizing an advance into 
the interior. This may be delayed a few days, waiting the arrival 
of additional m.eans of transportation. In the rtieanlime, a joint 
operation, by land and water, will be made upon Alvarado. No 
lateral expedition, however, shall interfere with the grant! move- 
ment towards the capital. 

In consideration of the great services of Colonel Totten, in the 
seige that has just terminated most successfully, and the impor- 
tan'ce of his presence at Washington, as the head of the engineer 
bureau, I entrust this despatch to hia personal care, and beg to 
commend him td the visry favorable consideration of the depart- 
ment. ^ ... 

I have the honor to remain, sir, ivith high respect, your moai 
obedient servant, 

WINFIELD SCOTT 

Hon. W. L. Marcy, Secretary of War. 
12 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

The Commissioners appointed by the Comrftandant of Vera 
Cruz and General Scott, to determine the terms of capitulation, 
after some negotiations, finally agreed upon the following terms, 
which were accordingly carried out: 

Articles of Capitulation of the cit-^ of 'Vera Cruz and the castle 
of San Juan (V Ulloa. 

POENTA DE HoRNos, Saturday, March 27, 1847. 
WitJioiit the Walls of Vera Cncz. 

Terms of capitulation agreed upon by the commissioners, viz: 
Generals W. J. Worth and G. J. Pillow, any Colonel J. G. Tot- 
ten, chief engineer, on ilie part of Major General Scott, general- 
in-chief of the armies of the United States ; and Colonel Jose 
Guttierrec de Villanueva, Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers Man- 
uel Robles and Colonel pedrb de Herrera, commissionera 
appointed by General of Brigade Don Jose Juan Landero, 
commanding-in-chief, Vera Cruz, the castle of San Juan de Ulloa 
and their dependencies — for the surrender to the arms of the 
United States of the said forts, \vith their armaments, munitiona 
of war, garrisons and arms ; 

1. The whole garrison, or garrisons, to be surrendered to the 
arms of the United States^ as prisoners of war, the 29th instant, 
at 10 o'clock, A. M.; the garrisons to be permitted to march out 
tvith all the honors of war, and to lay down their arms to such 
officers as may be appointea by the general-in*chief of the United 
States armies at a point to be agreed upon by the coiiimis- 
eioners, 

2. Mexican officers shall preserve their arms and private 
effects, including horses and horse pjrniture, and to be allowed, 
regular and irregular officers, as also the rank and file, five daya 
to retire to their respective homes, on parcle, as hereinafter pre- 
scribed. 

3. Coincident with the surrenderj as stipulated in article 1, the 
Mexican flags of the various forts and stations shall be struck, 
saluted by their own batteries; and, immediately thereafter, fbrta 
Santiago and Conception and the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, be 
occupied by the forces of the United States. , , 

4. The rank and file of the regulai- portion of tHe prisoners to 
be disposed of, after surrender and parole, as their general-in- 
chief may desire, and the irregular to be permitted to return to 
their homes. The officers, in respect to all atms and descriptions 
of force, giving the usual parole, that the said rank and file, aa 
well as themselves, slial! nbt serve again until duly exchanged. 

5. All the materiel of war, and all public property of every 
description found in the city, the castle of San Juan de Ulloa and 
their dependencies, to belong to the United States; but the arma- 
ment of the same (not injured or destroyed in the further prose-* 

13 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

cation of the actual war) may be considered as liable to be 
restored to Mexico by a definite treaty of peace. 

6. Thie sick and wounded Mexicans to be allowed to remain in 
the "city, with sucli medical ollicers of the army as may be necee- 
eary to their care and ircatnant. 

7. Absolute protection is solemnly guarantied to persons in the 
city, and property, and it is clearly understood that no private 
.luilding or property is 'to be takeii or used by the forces of t!ie 
United States, without previous arrangerpent vyiih the owners, 
and for a fair equivalent. 

8. Absolute freedom of religious worship and ceremonies is 
eolemnly guarantied. 

(Signed in duplicate.) 

W. J. WORTH, Brigadier genera], 

GID. J. PILLOW, Brigadier General, 

JOS. G. TOTTEN, Col. and Chief Engineer. 

JOSE GUTTIERREZ DE VILLAIN UEVA. 

PEDRO MANUEL HERRERA 

MANUEL ROBLES, 

Captain Aulick — appointed a commissioner bj' Commodore 
Perry on behalf of the navy (the general-in-chief not being able, 
in consequence of the rougluiess of the sea, {o communicate wiih 
the navy until after commissions had j^een exchanged) — and 
being present by General Scott's invitation, and concurring in the 
result and approving thereof — hereto affixes his name and cigng. 
ture. J. H. AULICK, Captain U'. S. N. ' 

Head-quarters of riie arniy of tiie United States of America, 
Camp Washington, before Vera C''u:g, March 27, 1847. 
Approved and accepted : 

WINFIELD SCOTT, 
Commander-in-Cliief U. S. Land forces in Mexico. 
M. C. PERRY, 
Commanding U. S. N. forces Gulf of Mexico. 

Vera Chuz, Marzo 27, 1847. 
Approbad y acceptado : 

' JOSE JUAN DE LANDERO. 

A true copy of the original articles of capitulation. 

• E. P. SCAMMON, 

1st Lieut. Topo. Eng's. Acting Aid-dfc-Camp. 



The following is a list of the killed and wounded during thp 
investment and bombardnient of Vera Cruz. &.c ; 
i4 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO 

KILLED. 

Ndvy. — One officer and six men, in the shore battery, (No. 5.) 
Arhiy. — Two officers and six men. 
Total — Three officers and twelve men. 

WOUNDED. 

Niavy. — One officer and six men in the sliore battery, (No. 5.) 
Army. — Three officers and forty men. 
Total — Four officers and forty-six men. 

Total Killed and Wounded — Seven officers and fifty-eiglit men ; 
making in all, sixty-five persons. 

Officers A7Wed'--Captain John R. Vinto.n, 2d Artillery ; Capt. 
Alburtis, 2d Infantry; Midshipman T. B. Shubrickj navy. 

Officers Wounded. — Lieutenant-Colonel Dickinson, South Car- 
olina "Volunteers, severely j Lieutenant A. S. Baldwin, navy, 
slightly ; Lieutenant Delozier Davidson, 2d Infantry, very slight- 
ly; Lieutenant Levels Weill, 2d Dragoons, severely. All the 
wounded are doing well. 

The number of rank and file prisoners had not been ascertained, 
but (reckoning on ail previous accounts of the strength of the 
garrisons) cannot be estimated at less than 4,000 men— of which 
number a considerable portion are supposed to be of their very 
best troops. 

From a list furnished by one of the Mexican cotamissioners, it 
ia supposed the following officers were present in the city and 
castle, viz: 

Five generals, eighteen colonels, thirty-seven lieutenant colo- 
nels, five majors, ninety captains, and one hundred and eighty 
lieutenants. 

A friendly communication had been opened with the town of 
Medellin, twelve piiles south of Vera Cruz, after a sharp skirmish, 
conducted by Col. Harney, against some troops that attempted to 
obstruct the vvay. And an expedition, by land and water, wap 
about to proceed to Alvarado ; where, however, no opposition 
was looked for. Indeed, it was coiifidently stated in camp, when 
the Princeton sailed, that Mexican commissioners had already 
arrived for the purpose of treating for the submission of that 
place. The principal object of General Scott at Alvarado is to 
open a source of iSUDOly of horses, mules, and beef cattle. 



THE WAR WITH xMEXICO. 



RATTLE OF CERRO GORDO. 

The Ceno Gordo commanded the road on a gentle declination, iii<e 
a glacis, for neatly a mik— an approach in that di'iection was impossi- 
ble. A front attack mustliave terminated in the almost entire anni- 
hilation of our army. But the enemy e;^pected such an attack, conft- 
ding in the desperate valor of our men, and believing fhat it was iiii- 
possible to turn their position to the right or the left. General Scott, 
however, with thj eye of a skillful general, perceived the trap set for 
him, and determined to avoid it. He therefore hud a road cut to the 
right, so as to escape the front fire of the Gerro, and turn his position 
on the left flank. This movement was made known to the enemy by a 
deserter from our camp, and consequently a large increase of force un- 
der Gen. La Vega was sent to the forts on their left. Gen. Scott, to cover 
his flank movements, on the 17th of April ordered forward Gen. T^'iggg 
against tlie fort on the steep ascent, in front and a little to the left of 
ihe Gerro. Col. Harney commanded this expedition, and at the head 
of the rifles and some detachments of infantry and artillery, carried 
ihis position under a heavy fire of grape and musketry. Having ser 
cured this position in front aud nsar the enemy's strongest fortification, 
end having by incredible labor elevated one Qf our large guns to the 
top of the fort, Gen. Scott prepared- to follow up his advantages, 4- 
demonstration was made from this position against another strong fort 
in the rear, and hear the Gerro, but the enemy were considered too 
etroiig, and the undertaking was abandoned. A like demonstration 
was made by the enemy. 

On the next day, the 18ih, Gen. Twiggs was ordered forward from 
the position he had already caotured against the fort which commanded 
the Cerro. Simultaneously an attack on the fortifications on the ene- 
rny'd left, was to be made by Gens. Shields' and Worth's division, who 
moved in separate columns, whilst Gen. Pillow advanced against the 
strong forts and (liflicult ascents on {he right of the enemy's position. 
The enemy, fully acquainted with Gen. Scott^s intended movement, 
had thrown large bodies of men into the various positions to be at- 
tacked. The most seridusenterprise was that of General Twiggs, who 
advanced against the main fort that commanded the Cerro. Nothing 
can be conceived more difficult than this underiakingi The steep and 
rough charactei of the ground, the constant fire of the enemy in front, 
znd the cross fire of the forts and batteries which enfiladed our lines, 
made the duty assigned to Gen. Twiggs one of surjiassing difficulty. 
Nothing prevented our men from being utterly destroyed but the steep- 
ness of the asc-ent under which they could shelter. But they sought 
no shelter, and onward rushed against the hailstorm of balls and mus- 
ket shot, led by the gallant Harney, whose noble bearing elicited the 
applause of the whole army. His conspicuous and stalwart frame at 
the head of his brigade, hi.s long arm waving his men onto the charge, 
his sturdy voice ringing above the clash of arms, attracted the atten- 
tion and admiration alike of the enemy and of our own army. On, 
on, he led the columns, whose front lines melted before the enemy's 
fire like snow flakes in a torrent, and staid not their course until leap- 

^6 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

ing over the rocky barriers and bayonetincr their gunners, they drov^ 
the enemy pell niell from the fort, delivering a deadly fire into their 
ranks, from tliejr own wuna, as they hastily retired. 

This was truly a gallant deed, worthy the Chevalier Bayard of our 
r.rmy, as the intrepid Harney is will styled. General Scott, between 
whom and Coi. Harney there had existed some coolness, rode up to ihe 
Colonel after this achievement, and remarked to him, ';'Col. Harney, I 
cannot now adeguaiely eiprcga my'admiration of your galhmt achieve- 
ment, but at the proper time I shall take great pleasure i;i thanking 
you in proper terms." Harney, with the modesty of true valor, cluimed 
the praise a? ;3ue to his officers and men. Thus did the division of the 
gallant veteran Twiggs carry the main position of the enemy, and 
cccupy the fort which commanded the road. It was here the enemy 
received their heaviest loss, and their General, Vasque?, was killed'. 
A little after. Gen. Worth having, by great exertions, passed the steep 
und craggy heights on the enejny's left, summoned a strong fort in the 
rear of the Cerro to surrender. This fort yyu3 manned by a large force 
undpr o^ii. nnzon, a mulatto officer of considerable ability and cour- 
age, who, seeing the Cerro carried, thought prudent to surrender, wliich 
he did with all his force. General Shields was iiot so fortunate in the 
battery which he attacked, and which was commanded by Gen. La 
Vega. A heavy fire was opened on him, undei which the fort was car-; 
ried, with some loss, by the gallant Illinoisians, under Baker and Ben- 
nett, supported by the New Yorkers under Burnett. 

Among those who fell under this fire was the gallant general, who 
received a grape-shot through his lungs, by which he was completely 
paralyzed, and at the last accounts was in a lingering state. On the 
enemy's right, Gen. Pillow commenced the attack against the strong 
forts near the river. The Tennesseans, under Haskell, led the column, 
and the other volunteer regiments followed. This column unexpect- 
edly encountered a heayy fjre (rojn a masked battery, by which Has- 
kell's battery was nearly cut to pieces, and the other volunteer regi- 
ments severely handled. Gen. Pillow withdrew his men, and was 
prepared for another attack when the operarions at the other paints 
having proved successful, the enemy concluded to surrender. 

The Mexican officers orimiued that Santa Anna had 8,000 men in 
the lines, and G,000 including 2,0UU lancers, oulside'of the entrench- 
ments. Gen. Scott's force was about 8,000, Gen. Quitman's brigade 
not having arrived in time to take part in (he engagement. General 
Ampudia was second in command of the Mexicans, and superintended 
the operations of the enemy. When the Cerro was carried he was 
eeen retreating on a jine white pharger, fiis hat falling off as he gal- 
lopped away. '4s to Santa Anna and Canalizo, they retreated in time 
to escape by the main road. 

I Our loss in the engtigement, in killed and wounded, was 42h, The 
enemy's was much larger, besides 6,000 prisoners, including many 
officers. A large quantity of fixed ammunition, of very superior quaU 
ity, was also taken. The private baggage and money chest of Sant^ 
Anna, containing, $20,000, was also captured. 

17 



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